Stereotype

What stereotypes is???

Stereotypes are generalizations about a group
of people whereby we assume specific characteristics or behavioral
patterns apply to every member of the group in question. There need be
no basis in fact in these assumptions and it is often easier to create
stereotypes when there is a visible and consistent attribute that is
easily recognised. This is perhaps why people of different
nationalities, governments and authorities, and women as a group are
so readily stereotyped.
It is common to develop stereotypes when we do not have all available
information we need to make a balanced or objective judgment about
people or situations. It is this lack of information that can
sometimes lead to extremes such as discrimination and persecution, or
cause us to make ill-informed judgements or assumptions as a lesser
consequence.
Our assumptions are not always correct, for example if you were a
woman on your own and your vehicle broke down in an isolated area, you
would be forgiven for being somewhat fearful in the event a group of
men dressed in leather jackets riding motorbikes pulled up to ask if
you needed a ride somewhere. On the other hand, if a single vehicle
pulled up in which there was a man and woman asking if you needed a
ride, it is fair to suggest you would feel less worried yet the
reality is your risk is still as great. We can draw a conclusion and
suggest fear' is one common reason that people will stereotype.
This fear can manifest in numerous ways and involve entire races of
people, ethnic minorities in a given population, indigenous people the
common denominator is the differences. There could be a difference in
colour, culture, sexuality, language, expression or even the way a
group chooses to dress. So, from fear, we can add differences' to our
reasons why people stereotype.
Most of us watch television, see movies or plays as well as interact
with others that enjoy the same genre or entertainment styles. The
entertainment value is achieved by exaggeration of events to make them
more interesting to the viewer. Unfortunately, there are many people
that clearly demonstrate a lack of ability to separate fact from
fiction, and will believe much of what they are exposed to.
Assumptions are then formed when confronted with people or situations
that parallel what is seen in entertainment forum, therefore this type
of stereotype behaviour is learned'.
To put all this together in one brief essay, there is one word that
easily absorbs these three elements, and that is "ignorance". It is
the unknown that motivates much of our fear in the same way that
assumptions based on what we see as differences in others, or even
what is presented as our entertainment. Some movies for example are
quite powerful and evoke tremendous emotion as the story unfolds. The
learned stereotypical behaviour stems from ignorance in that
separation of fact from fantasy leads people to assume what they see
in movies applies in real-life situations.
Quite often, the way to deal with stereotypical behaviour is to
confront with facts and allay fears. This sounds simple however in
reality many people are even fearful to let go of their fears! This
sounds a little bizarre but when living with assumptions over a long
period of time, fear of change becomes a new element, and it is not
uncommon for people to disregard incontrovertible proof in favour of
their personal belief. This is the reality of how damaging
stereotyping can be in human relations, and in our decision-making
processes.

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