Mormon Stereotypes Research Paper

The Truth about Mormon Stereotypes

Mormons are of treacherous, lustful, males; degraded, gullible females; and neglected unmanageable children, or at least that’s what byu.edu says. This is just one of the many examples of a mormon stereotype. “Mormon” is one of the many nicknames given to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, this one being the most common. Heard of them, well, I wouldn’t be surprised if you said no. And if you did, you could call this “Mormon Stereotyping 101.”

A stereotype is a generalization of a certain group of people with a particular belief or way of living. Stereotypes are never a good thing, for they cause these groups to feel that they must follow the general standard set for them. For example, when deseretnews.com says, “Mormons are predominantly Republican, overwhelmingly white, well-educated, prosperous, and have larger-than-average families,” they’re defining what a “mormon” is and what it must be. Being a “mormon” doesn’t mean your Republican, white, or have larger-than-average family, it means that you belong to a certain religion and that’s it.

There is much proof that shows that these stereotypes are affecting “mormons”.

According to deseretnews.com, 59% of mormons also identify as Republicans. These mormons may have identified as Republican because of the pressure of the stereotype that “mormons” are predominantly Republican. Also, they said, that “mormon” households range from 3.7 to 4.2 persons. Many “mormons” may feel that, because they are “mormon”, they must have many kids to not stick out. Another stereotype that affect “mormons” is the stereotype that “mormons” are overwhelmingly white. A US study showed that 91% of “mormons” are white, while 3% black, 3% hispanic, and 3% other. These populations of ethnicities maybe because many non white “mormons” may feel that they don’t fit in. This may be the reason for the small portion of colored

“mormons”.

Even though stereotypes are now commonly taken as jokes, the affect they have on us isn’t. Stereotypes don’t only affect “mormons”, they affect everyone. Stereotypes are universal. They are everywhere. “Mormons” aren’t the only group that are affected by them, in fact, stereotypes have affect on every group. For example, at Princeton, students that of white race were given a golf task. These students were split into two groups. One group was told that the task measured natural athletic ability, the other wasn’t. The first group performed poorly when compared to the other due to the frustration of not getting stereotyped, for white people have the stereotype of lacking natural ability in golf. This example truly shows that stereotypes have affects on how we think and act.
Stereotypes, both big and small, have affect on all of us. Stereotypes limit who we are and tell us who we must become. We have to realize that our identity is not determined by stereotypes, but is determined by our choices. We can become whoever we may choose. Stereotypes are never a good thing and will never be. So before we compare someone else’s identity to their stereotype, think of the effect it will have on them and how they think of you!