Monday, March 10, 2008

Stereotypes

Stereotype: A fixed, commonly held notion or image of a person or group, based on an oversimplification of some observed or imagined trait of behaviour or appearance.

Stereotypes are a widely used impression that is used to generalize an entire group based on certain traits. They exaggerate differences between groups and produce a selective perception. They blur the line of distinction between the individual and the group he/she “belongs” to, and represent people based only on a set of select traits.

“Factors Affecting Stereotypes:

  • Historical factors
  • Generalization
  • First impressions
  • Simplification
  • Exaggeration
  • Presentation of cultural attributes as being 'natural'
  • Racism, sexism, homophobia and other forms of discrimination
  • Association of persons with other groups
  • An appearance or behaviour (or other feature) that stands out as different from that which the observing group is used to.”

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