STEREOTYPE

Stereotype

Stereotype

Stereotype

Stereotype is a trite image with few details about a group of people who share certain qualities, characteristics and skills. Usually it has been accepted by most as the typical or model or behavioral qualities. The term is often used in a negative sense, considering that stereotypes are irrational beliefs that limit creativity and, that can only be changed through education (Feagin, 1999).

The most common stereotypes of the past included a variety of allegations about various racial groups (see racial stereotyping and racial profiling) and predictions of behavior based on social status or wealth. They consist of ideas, prejudices, attitudes, beliefs and preconceived opinions, imposed by the social and cultural environment that apply to all persons belonging to a category, nationality, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual preference, geographic origin, etc (Daniels, 1997).

In literature and, art stereotypes are clichés or predictable characters or situations. For example, a devil is vicious stereotype, with horns, tail and trident. Originally a stereotype was an impression taken from a cast of lead that was used in print instead of the actual type. This use resulted in a metaphor about a set of preconceived ideas they could take from one place to another without changes (Devah, 2003).

All Asians are bad drivers

Generalizations serve to glean a common trait when examined statistically. HBD provides the non-humanistic and asocial tool by which we can know people without knowing them. Not all Asians are careless drivers. This generalization, when viewed within the context of what a typical Los Angeles commuter endures, is suffused with the air of accuracy. Asians are negligent drivers. How do we describe bad? Well in my book, they are lousy drivers because they are appearing to be oblivious to their immediate environment which I would assume is important. Asian drivers fall into two camps: the extremely ...