A person/thing that conforms to a widely accepted type. Stereotypes A person/thing that conforms to a widely accepted type.

Stereotypes are often based on Race Religion Sex Sexuality Appearance Education Profession

Stereotypes are often…. Negative! “Blonds are dumb”

Stereotypes …. Often categorize a cultural sub- group “different” from the rest of us.

Four Characteristics of Stereotypes 1. more simple than reality 2. Acquired secondhand from the media 3. Erroneous (all stereotypes are false) 4. Resistant to change

Psychologists have demonstrated that our perceptions of the world are shaped by schemas, a set of beliefs about people, events or situations that we use as guides in our interaction with these things. Thus, we are able to treat that person or object in what we perceive to be an appropriate manner, that is, consistent with our schema.

Know the Difference Gender Identity – a sense of being male, female, or another gender (how you view yourself) Gender Expression – the way individuals show their gender to the world (how you act, dress, behave, interact)

Society plays on gender roles Our cultures teach women and men to be the opposite of each other in many ways. The truth is that we are more alike than different. Masculine vs Feminine

Masculine vs Feminine stereotypes Independent vs dependent Non-emotional vs emotional Aggressive/strong vs passive/weak Tough skinned vs sensitive Competitive vs non-competitive Sexually aggressive vs submissive Rebellious vs accepting

Know the Difference Sex – biological: internal & external reproductive organs & sex chromosomes: XX female, XY male, or androgynous Sexual Orientation – our physical, emotional or romantic attraction to others

A recall tactic, often related back to our first encounter Priming A recall tactic, often related back to our first encounter The effects of the content of the media on people's later behavior or judgments related to the content that was processed.

Priming Positive Effects Breaking the spiral of silence Seeing yourself in media makes you feel less isolated and alone. Negative Effects Promoting stereotypes How do stereotypical portrayals in media significantly influence perceptions

4 Stages of Minority Portrayals 1. Nonrecognition – not seen 2. Ridicule – put down the minority 3. Regulation – protectors of existing order 4. Respect – full range of roles, both good & bad

Priming and Gay Characters Research has found that seeing likable gay characters on TV shows and movies had similar effects to knowing gay people in real life which caused anti-gay prejudice to drop (Modern Family, Grey’s Anatomy) Which theories support this research?

What's the difference? Archetype - a model from which all things of the same kind are copied or based on. Cliche' - a stereotyped expression, usually expressing a popular or common thought or idea, that has lost originality, ingenuity, and impact by long overuse

Current TV shows featuring LGBT characters

Priming & the Casting of Actors By casting well-known straight actors in gay roles, straight people become more comfortable around gay issues. Brokeback Mountain, Milk