The Cause and Effects of Sterotyping

Stereotyping, which can be used positively and negatively, is something everyone uses every day; it is found in our humor, how people describe one another, and beliefs. People stereotype without knowing it; it is a way we use to help us understand a group. The problem with stereotyping is that it’s a self –opinion about a group, not an individual. Everyone has their own unique and distinct personalities, just as everyone has their own fingerprints so it is unfair to be judged quickly by people who do not know others as an individual. Everyone is a victim of stereotyping and have stereotyped before. It is a worldwide issue that can be easily solved yet it continues every day.

The causes of stereotyping come from many places, a major influence is the media, it portrays stereotyping in the movies, the news, and many other ways, but people mostly learn from what others say. Most stereotypes are determined by appearances; the way groups, culture, or genders look and act are very different from each other (Macrae, Neil. Stereotypes & Stereotyping. New York: Guilford Press, 1996). Appearances are a major part in stereotyping because certain groups have looks to them that people identify them with. When one sees someone or some group looking different from what they believe is normal, they quickly categorize them from what they learned on TV or the news. Women are seen as fragile, obsessed with their looks and are clean freaks. Although this is not entirely true, stereotypes of women are still apparent today (Heights). Even when women are becoming stronger, there are still those remarks about how weak and fragile they are. These stereotypes have a long history, making old habits hard to break. Teens are stereotyped constantly by adults....

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...n over generalized opinion. Classes such as ethnic studies and even a foreign language can give good information about a particular race. There are many ways to combat stereotypes, but the easiest and best way is to get to know a person and to seek out knowledge.

Stereotypes are everywhere and are used by everyone, it is a way to understand and process our surroundings. It existed in history for a long time through religion, politics, and the most influential, media and still exists today. The planet may be taking dramatic steps to improve but stereotypes still thrive. Positive steps toward stopping stereotypes like getting to know someone better can really help decrease the problem and hopefully the future will have less of it. Although no one can really get to know everyone they meet, knowledge and some patience can help people understand each other better.