Negative Stereotypes

WHAT IS A STEREOTYPE?

A fixed, commonly held notion or image of a person or group, based on an oversimplification of some observed or imagined trait of behavior or appearance.

Stereotyping

When someone claims that members of another culture all share the same, often inferior or offensive characteristics.

EXPRESSION OF STEREOTYPE

•A single word or phrase

•An image

•Combination of words and images

Characteristics of Stereotype

•Views can be positive or negative

•Develops superiority or inferiority in the person or group

•Ignores the uniqueness of individuals by painting all members of a group in with the same brush.

Sources of Stereotype

•Cultural biases or

•Cultural ignorance

•Media

Where do stereotypes come from?

Parents and familyThe mediaFriendsEducation (school, university)TravelLazinessFearEnvyA sense of superiorityLack of experience of people, etc.

EFFECTS OF STEREOTYPING ON PERSONS/GROUPS

•Prejudice

•Stigma

•Discrimination

•Racism

•Conflicts

Ageism

old people are said to be very forgetful

Racial

Native Americans in cowboy films are seen as bloodthirsty savages

Sexism:

All blondes are dumb

Women are bad drivers

Religion

Catholics families have a lot of children

Profession

all lawyers are greedy

ADDRESSING STEREOTYPE

Cultural relativismCultural sensitivityMulticultural educationValues reorientation

“Instead of being presented with stereotypes by age, sex, color,

class, or religion, children must have the opportunity to learn that

within each range, some people are loathsome and some are delightful.”

Margaret Mead, social

anthropologist

In your groups:Complete these phrases

a) All athletes are b) Drugs are used byc) All homosexuals are d) All politicians are e) All people with AIDS are f) All male hairdressers are g) All male ballet dancers are h) All construction workers are i) She's so dumb, she must be j) She's so smart, she must be k) She's quick-tempered, so she must be