http://www.prejuges-stereotypes.net/main.htm

Social status or group position determines stereotype content, not the actual personal characteristics of group members.

{Groups which enjoy fewer social and economic advantages will be stereotyped in a way which helps explain disparities, such as lower employment rates. Although disadvantaged group members may have greater difficulty finding a job due to in-group favoritism, racism, and related social forces, the disadvantaged group member is unjustifiably characterized as 'unmotivated' (he could find a job if he looked hard enough), 'unintelligent' (he's not smart enough to have that job), and 'lazy' (he would rather take hand-outs than work).}

Stereotypes focus upon and thereby exaggerate differences between groups. Competition between groups minimizes similarities and magnifies differences.

Psychology

Categorization and AssociationCategorization and Association are two fundamental concepts involved in stereotyping.Categorization- we tend to group people on the basis of easily identifiable characteristics such as age, race, and gender. This can happen outside of our awareness (Devine, 1989).Association- When we stereotype, we usually have sets of traits that go together, that is, are associated with groups of people.

We attempt to bring to mind examples of behaviors of people, and the easier we can imagine such examples, the more likely we will think those behaviors will occur. Example: If the only African American people who are portrayed in the media are criminals, then those who have little contact may vastly overestimate the number of African American criminals in the general population.

Stereotypes change with time. The unwitting use of some stereotypes appears awkward to a present-day audience which refuses to tolerate a representation of individuals based on that stereotype. Many other stereotypes pass unnoticed, sometimes even by those being stereotyped.

Canadian people are stereotyped as beer-obsessed, tuque-wearing, somewhat slow-witted hockey-players who always.

The English people are stereotyped as inordinately proper, prudish, phlegmatic, stiff, polite and sophisticated. In many countries, especially on the European continent, they are seen as incredibly awful cooks, something that has been spoofed in Asterix in Britain (see also English cuisine)

A popular British stereotype is the upper class man dressed in bowler hat, black suit who always carries an umbrella, believes in tradition and the monarchy and interrupts everything for the sake of having his tea time (Mary Poppins)

To this day Jewish people are sometimes stereotyped in media as being intellectually gifted, nit-picky, and focused on money.

They will frequently be seemingly addicted to croissants or tarts, or, in a more positive image, are depicted as excellent cooks the cooks in Ratatouille, French people are often depicted as dirty, unshaven, curly moustached people wearing berets, striped shirts and carrying baguettes under the arm or as onion sellers. They are often depicted as being arrogant, dirty, rude to foreigners, lazy.

Italian people are often depicted as singers, involved with the mafia and cooking pasta and tomato type foods. They all crave for their mothers, gesticulate heavily and are easily offended. Another Italian stereotype is the gorgeously built Italian sex bomb with a beautiful body (examples: Sophia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida and La Cicciolina). And similar : the handsome young macho who walks around with his shirt open and usually has notable chest hair. Or the more mysterious handsome Italian man who is always dressed in fine suits and drives around in classy, expensive automobiles or Vespa motorcycles. (examples of this image are Marcello Mastroianni and Andy Garcia (who is of Hispanic descent)'s portrayal of Vincent in The Godfather III). Both Italian macho stereotypes are always depicted as fantastic lovers, but generally unfaithful to and uninterested in the needs and wishes of their female partners. In romantic stories aimed at a heterosexual female audience Italian macho lovers often play an important role. :D