Stereotypes
Every person is faced with a multitude of simple and complex tasks and challenges on a daily basis, giving them a huge number of options. If a person wanted to weigh all these options carefully, compare them with each other and make the best decision, they would be in a constant state of anxiety and worry about what to do. To ensure relative certainty, a person creates a framework within which they simplify complex phenomena and create a reality that makes decision-making easier.
Stereotypes simplify and systematise information and the world around us. As a result of this cognitive process, information is easier to identify, recall, predict their effects and react to them.
We face stereotypes of all kinds from birth – whether about gender, ethnicity, religion, ‘race’, age, disability or any other characteristics/circumstances.
Let’s look at some examples of stereotypes:
→ A dog is a loyal animal.
→ The Swiss are meticulous and the French cook well.
→ The Roma like to steal.
→ Foxes are cunning.
→ Men are strong and women are gentle.
→ All Black people dance well.
Prejudice
Like stereotypes, prejudices are unverified, unjustified and unreasoned opinions about other groups and the people who are part of these groups. Unlike stereotypes, prejudice is accompanied by negative feelings and attitudes towards people solely because they belong to a particular group. They are also accompanied by feelings of inferiority of these people, which in turn lead to disrespectful, intolerant, demeaning and contemptuous attitudes. Like stereotypes, prejudice
is based on skin colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, nationality, culture, sexual orientation, age, disability, etc.
Let’s look at some examples of prejudices:
→ Blondes are stupid.
→ All Muslims support extremist ideas.
→ All politicians are corrupt and no one can be trusted.
→ Black women are angry all the time.
→ Gays are promiscuous and should be treated.
Write down an additional example of a stereotype and an additional example of prejudice.