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 family The media Friends Education (school, university) Travel Laziness Fear Envy A sense of superiority Lack 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 relativism Cultural sensitivity Multicultural education Values 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 by c) 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