Stereotype Paper Stereotyping can be defined as “a conventional, formulaic, and over simplified conception, opinion, or image; one that is regarded as embodying or conforming to a set image or type”. (Herbert, 2008) Originally, a stereotype was a metal plate involved in the printing process. Once it was struck with an image, the imprint became permanent. Stereotyping is generally associated with prejudicial, erroneous, or misleading view of social groups not anchored in direct experience. (Holmberg, 2010) For this reason, it is generally thought that stereotyping is negative, and that it has widespread harmful effects. It can be noted that nearly all humans participate in a certain amount of stereotyping, whether it be from thoughts or values passed down to them through the generations, or views they’ve come to by their own thought process. One particular stereotype that I’ve observed being perpetuated in my own family is regarding gender roles. It is generally accepted in my ex- husband’s family that traditional gender roles should be observed (a woman’s place is in the home and that men should be the sole providers for the family etc.) The boys are raised learning to hunt and shoot guns and are strongly encouraged to participate in sporting activities in school. For the most part, young girls are strictly encouraged to participate in “girly” activities and are not encouraged to join sporting teams or do any athletic activity. In fact, my daughter was even discouraged by both her grandfather and her own father from trying out for the soccer team and the rugby team when she was in high school. As archaic and flawed as it may seem, their reasoning is that girls are inferior to boys, in most aspects, particularly when it comes to athletics. I see this thinking as flawed for the very obvious reason that girls are just as bit as capable as boys and I believe children should be encouraged to pursue activities regardless of whether those activities are typically thought of as “girl” or “boy” activities. This had quite a negative effect on my daughter and her self-esteem. Fortunately, she was able to overcome the stigma, and she became quite a bit more outgoing once she left home and started college. Another stereotype that I see quite frequently is how people regard the homeless community. In my community there is a publication called “The Contributor” that is sold on street corners by homeless or otherwise less fortunate people. The paper costs a dollar, and the sellers are allowed to keep a certain percentage of their sales. I try to make a habit of always having one dollar bills in my wallet so that I can purchase the paper from various vendors on my area on a regular basis. During a recent discussion with some of my neighbors they seemed quite shocked that I supported this group of people. They hold the view that these people are lazy and that they should go out and get “real” jobs instead of “begging” for money on street corners every day. While I am sure it is true that there are people who are homeless for many different reasons, I do not hold the belief that the majority of the homeless community is (for lack of a better term) lazy bums. I am sure that many people refuse to donate or give to the homeless when they encounter them on the street, for fear that they are lazy, alcoholic or drug addicted. I see this as a valid argument, however, there are just as many people who genuinely need our help because they have lost their job, had a devastating illness etc. It’s evident that this type stereotyping can inhibit people from giving to charities and helping those who are less fortunate. A third type of stereotyping that I see on a daily basis is prejudice and racial discrimination, particularly with regards to the African American community. Recently some friends of mine were planning a weekend outing to a bar. One friend wanted to bring a newly hired co-worker with her. The group was in favor of her bringing this person along, however some (including myself) expressed concern when we learned the co-worker was African American. We were not concerned so much because this person is black, but because the bar we were going to was a bar that was considered a “honky tonk” and primarily plays country music. It was our thought that this person would feel out of place and would not enjoy the music, surroundings etc. We initially thought that because this person was African American they likely did not listen to or have any interest in country music. Our misguided thinking led us to draw the conclusion that because they were of African American descent they likely preferred rap, hip hop or pop music. It was an innocent enough concern and certainly none of us meant any harm by it. While none of us were intentionally trying to stereotype this person, that is exactly what we were all doing. As it turns out, he was did indeed listen to country music, and he ended up coming out with us and having a great time. Is stereotyping inherent in all of us? Yes, I believe it is. Even if we are not intentionally trying to be harmful to another individual, our preconceived notions inevitably come into play when we are making certain decisions or deciding what we believe or do not believe. While not all stereotyping is malicious, it does have the potential to be and can easily lead to conflict and violence. By keeping an open mind and intentionally being open to other’s views and ways of life we can limit our stereotyping and not let it define our thinking. References
Herbert, W. (2008, April 24). The Neurology of Stereotypes. Retrieved October 9, 2012, from
Association for Psychological Science website: http://www.pschologicalscience.org/onlyhuman/2008/04/neurology-of-stereotypes_24.cfm
Holmberg, C.B. (2010) Stereotypes and Stereotyping. In Encyclopedia of American Studies. doi:2010 (http://www.credoreference.com/entry/jhueas/stereotypes_and_stereotyping)
Mossier, K. (2011). An Introduction to Logic. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (https://content.ashford.edu)