The Effect of Stereotypes



The Effect of Stereotypes

Introduction

Stereotype is a common psychological phenomenon according to which a person develops a belief about a society, community or individual. Stereotypes can be of different types they can be gender based sexual based, community based or individual based. In most cases, stereotypes are developed due to prejudice and initial mind sets developed by the elders of the society. Stereotypes are generally based upon cultures or races. The common reason behind stereotyping is lack of awareness and knowledge.

Stereotypes can be positive or negative, but in most cases stereotypes tend to be negative. For e.g. stereotyping can make you act racist as when you stereotype about people you tend to judge them before you know the individual realities about them. Stereotypes are often, made on the negative qualities of a person (Schary, 1960). 

Discussion

It is a normal behavior that everyone makes stereotypes which are dominated by the input the society provides you about him and his or her community. I have developed certain stereotypes about many people in my life some are individual based, and some are community based. More than often I develop stereotypes about these people whom I don't know personally.

1st Stereotype: Muslims are Terrorists

Since 9/11 attacks conducted by the Al - Qaeda group on the World trade center majority of the terrorist activities conducted in all parts of the world are dominated by the people who follow the religion of Islam. The stereotype which I have developed with this information is that Muslims are terrorists. I have developed this stereotype about Muslims because all the activities are conducted by Muslims. Secondly the media support my stereotype as mostly Muslims are found in these activities. Thirdly the groups which conduct these terrorist activities publicly announce that their motive behind these activities is to establish their ...