Coping with Stereotypes Stereotypes is an image one has about another culture it promotes negative themes in society. Has a strong effect on the intellect. One shouldn’t be judgmental. Danger/ destruction of empathy/ dev. Of antipathy towards other culture ‘US vs. them’ e.g. some common European assumptions about Americans ( loud- politically naive-overweight- materialistic) - Generalization of negative characteristics Only causes ‘annoyance’/ unfair.

The reductionist nature of stereotyping eliminates the differences between subcultures in a society/ prevents one from perceiving the richness & diversity. Advertisements, satirical cartoons & the media are rich sources of a culture’s self-image They can be used to promote positive and fight negative stereotypes / depending on the image that a country wants to project to the world The use of positive themes will challenge the negative stereotypes and perceptions / e.g. ‘Superman’

Humour Humour as a remedy for some stereotypes Riddle: a linguistic puzzle used to challenge one’s wit word games/ to entertain and engage/independent/ appeal to all age groups Ancient times/ teach lessons/ ‘the riddle of the sphinx’ Nature of riddles changed/ to mislead, trick and amuse Word play/ leopard (e.g.) Idiomatic expressions/ solution is the wrong answer A way of communicating with a specific goal/ stimulate thought/ enjoyable learning tools Reflects the way ppl think in a specific culture