How we Develop Stereotypes
How we Develop Stereotypes
Someone who dresses in all black may be perceived as a "freak," or be considered different from someone who wears other colors. However, in reality, that person may just be expressing their individuality, or they just simply may like the color. Who are we to judge why this person is wearing the color black? Although we are not qualified to, we still do so. Why? One word-stereotypes. Dressing in black is just one example of how people are stereotyped.
Stereotypes-exaggerated beliefs about different groups of people-are used everyday at school, work, on the television, and on the radio. These beliefs negatively affect one's ability to understand other social groups. People are stereotyped based on their race, religion, background, skin color, and other physical attributes. Rather than getting to know an individual, the human mind uses stereotypes to categorize people.
As people develop stereotypes, they tend to misjudge those of their society, and therefore always misunderstand them. The old saying, "what you see is what you get" is not always true. If we immediately judge a person by their physical appearance, we will never allow ourselves to really understand them.
One junior at my old high school believes that stereotyping others has no real mental effect on a person. "If I was stereotyped, I wouldn't let it get to me because people are ignorant." However, to be stereotyped as something that is false is horrible, and there are usually mental effects that can leave a lasting scar on a person.
A person's appearance can cause them to be stereotyped. "In junior high school, clothes were very important. What I wore and how I styled my hair was scrutinized. If it wasn't to a certain standard, people would make fun of me," Stated another junior.
Unfortunately, as a result of stereotypes, people are racist, and prejudice towards others. We judge people just by their appearance. Although we have no specific knowledge about them, we still continue to categorize them. Stereotypes are also hard to get rid of because as we continue to believe and voice these preconceived notions, they become part of our nature and perception. Next time you meet someone new, try not to categorize him or her by their physical attributes. Instead, try to get to know the individual before making any assumptions. That person may turn out to be your best friend, but you will never...