Who comes up with this shit huh? Well we are going to get some insight on the matter of Stereotypes. From the origin of the word, to how it transitioned from a printing term to a base description of particular groups of people. Unfortunately, they don’t get into the Stereotypes that were created before the Europeans came to America. So we are left to our own research with that but you can still get some info on the positive and negative effects. And of course we will present some examples soooooo… let’s get into it. Ummm… what does Wikipedia say about it?
Stereotypes as defined by Wikipedia:
A stereotype is a type of logical oversimplification in which all the members of a class or set are considered to be definable by an easily distinguishable set of characteristics. The term is often used with a negative connotation, as stereotypes can be used to deny individuals respect or legitimacy based on their membership in a particular group. In America, the term has long been associated with the Civil Rights movement and is imbued with a semblance of racial context.
Stereotypes often form the basis of prejudice and are usually employed to explain real or imaginary differences due to race, gender, religion, age, ethnicity, socio-economic class, disability, and occupation, among the limitless groups one may be identified with. A stereotype can be a conventional and oversimplified conception, opinion, or image based on the belief that there are attitudes, appearances, or behaviors shared by all members of a group. Stereotypes are forms of social consensus rather than individual judgments. Stereotypes are sometimes formed by a previous illusory correlation, a false association between two variables that are loosely correlated if correlated at all.
The term “stereotype” derives from Greek στερεός (stereos) “solid, firm” + τύπος (tupos) “blow, impression, engraved mark” hence “solid impression”. The term, in its modern psychology sense, was first used byWalter Lippmann in his 1922 work Public Opinion although in the printing sense it was first coined 1798.
Etymology:
The word stereotype is of Greek origin (στερεότυπος), literally meaning “solid-kind”. It was invented by Firmin Didot in the world of printing; it was originally a duplicate impression of an original typographical element, used for printing instead of the original. American journalist Walter Lippmann coined the metaphor, calling a stereotype a “picture in our heads” saying “Whether right or wrong, …imagination is shaped by the pictures seen… Consequently, they lead to stereotypes that are hard to shake.” (Public Opinion, 1922, 95-156). In fact, cliché and stereotype were both originally printers’ words, and in their literal printers’ meanings were synonymous. Specifically, cliché was a French word for the printing surface for a stereotype.
Causes:
Sociologists believe that mental categorizing (or labelling) is necessary and inescapable. One perspective on how to understand stereotyping process is through the categories or ingroups and outgroups. Ingroups are viewed as normal and superior, and are generally the group that one associates with or aspires to join. An outgroup is simply all the other groups. They are seen as lesser or inferior than the ingroups.
A second perspective is that of automatic and implicit or subconscious and conscious. Automatic or subconscious stereotyping is that which everyone does without noticing. Automatic stereotyping is quickly preceded by an implicit or conscious check which permits time for any needed corrections. Automatic stereotyping is affected by implicit stereotyping because frequent conscious thoughts will quickly develop into subconscious stereotypes.
A third method to categorizing stereotypes is general types and sub-types. Stereotypes consist of hierarchical systems consisting of broad and specific groups being the general types and sub-types respectively. A general type could be defined as a broad stereotype typically known among many people and usually widely accepted, whereas the sub-group would be one of the several groups making up the general group. These would be more specific, and opinions of these groups would vary according to differing perspectives.
One reason people stereotype is that it is too difficult to take in all of the complexities of other people. Even though stereotyping is inaccurate, it is efficient. Categorization is an essential human capability because it enables us to simplify, predict, and organize our world. Once one has sorted and organized everyone into tidy categories, there is every incentive to avoid processing new or unexpected information about each individual. Assigning general group characteristics to members of that group saves time and satisfies the need to predict the social world.
People also tend to stereotype because of the need to feel good about oneself. Stereotypes protect one from anxiety and enhance self-esteem. By designating one’s own group as the standard or normal group and assigning others to groups considered inferior or abnormal, it provides one with a sense of worth.
Childhood influences are some of the most complex and influential factors in developing stereotypes. Though they can be absorbed at any age, stereotypes are usually acquired in early childhood under the influence of parents, teachers, peers, and the media. Once a stereotype is learned, it often becomes self-perpetuating.
Many scientific theories have derived from the sociological studies of stereotyping and prejudicial thinking. During the early studies it was believed or suggested that stereotypes were only used by rigid, repressed, and authoritarian people. Sociologists concluded that this was a result of conflict, poor parenting, and inadequate mental and emotional development. They now know differently. Scientist and theorists have concluded that stereotypes do not only exist, but are actually a never ending chain of thoughts.
Certain circumstances can affect the way an individual stereotypes. For instance: Studies have shown that women stereotype more negatively than men, and that women read into appearance more than men. Some theorists argue in favor of the conceptual connection and that one’s own subjective thought about someone is sufficient information to make assumptions about that individual. Other theorists argue that at minimum there must be a casual connection between mental states and behavior to make assumptions or stereotypes. Thus results and opinions may vary according to circumstance and theory. Stereotyping is principally theory and is not based much on factual evidence. An example of a common, incorrect assumption is that of assuming certain internal characteristics based on external appearance. The explanation for one’s actions is his or her internal state (goals, feeling, personality, traits, motives, values, and impulses), not his or her appearance.
Sociologist Charles E. Hurst of the College of Wooster states that, “One reason for stereotypes is the lack of personal, concrete familiarity that individuals have with persons in other racial or ethnic groups. Lack of familiarity encourages the lumping together of unknown individuals”. Different disciplines give different accounts of how stereotypes develop: Psychologists focus on how experience with groups, patterns of communication about the groups, and intergroup conflict. Sociologists focus on the relations among groups and position of different groups in a social structure. Psychoanalytically-oriented humanists have argued (e.g., Sander Gilman) that stereotypes, by definition, the representations are not accurate, but a projection of one to another.
Stereotypes are not accurate representations of groups, rather they arise as a means of explaining and justifying differences between groups, or system justification. 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 and justify disparities, such as lower employment rates. Although disadvantaged group members may have greater difficulty finding employment 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. This makes it seem as if groups are very different when in fact they may be more alike than different. For example, among African Americans, identity as an American citizen is more salient than racial background; that is, African Americans are more American than African. Yet within American culture, Black and White Americans are increasingly seen as completely different groups.
List of Common Stereotypes(from progressiveu.org)
1) Asians have high IQs. They are smarter than most in Math and Science. These people are more likely to succeed in school. (Positive stereotype)
2) Christians are homophobic. They are blinded by God and will recruit you if you go near them. (Negative stereotype)
3) African Americans can dance. (Positive stereotype)
4) Caucasians can’t dance. (Negative stereotype)
5) French are romantic. (Positive stereotype)
6) Irish are alcoholics. (Negative stereotype)
7) Italians are good lovers. (Positive stereotype)
Germans are Nazis or fascists. (Negative stereotype)
9) Middle Easterners hate Americans. (Negative stereotype)
10) Russians are violent. (Negative stereotype)
11) Gay men are feminine while lesbian women are masculine.
12) Asians know martial arts.
13) African Americans play basketball.
14) Women are neat and like to clean.
15) Men take charge in a relationship.
16) Asian men have smallest penis size while African American men have the biggest penis size.
17) Immigrants have poor English.
18) Indians work at a deli.
19) Caucasian women do not have big boobs naturally like African American females.
20) Jewish people are cheap.
(More stuff here at statemaster.com)
I saw this cover and the word that can best describe my thought about it is out⋅land⋅ish–adjective 1.freakishly or grotesquely strange or odd, as appearance, dress, objects, ideas, or practices; bizarre: outlandish clothes; outlandish questions. Now check out Pen N’ Pixel history of some of these rapper with out⋅land⋅ish covers. Drama with a shotgun. Smh
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