Stereotypes

What is a stereotype?• An oversimplified idea or image about a certain group

of people that is widely accepted by others

• With a partner, complete the phrases:

– Men are …– Women … – Beijing people are …– Shanghai people are …– People in Guangdong … – Girls from Chongqing are …

Examples

• Examples– All Americans have guns.– Black people are the best athletes.– Chinese people always eat rice.

Other examples of stereotypes

• Stereotypes can occur within different ethnic groups, social classes, religious groups and opposite sexes– Lower class people are uneducated– Jewish people are good with money– Men are stronger than women

Why do stereotypes occur?

• Stereotypes arise as a way of explaining or justifying differences between groups

• Lack of exposure to other groups, cultures, etc.

• “I saw this in a movie or TV show.”

More examples

More examples

More examples

More examples

American Stereotypes1. Americans are fat.2. Americans make a lot of money, so they are rich. 3. Americans live in big houses. 4. Every American has a car and knows how to drive.5. Americans love eating McDonald's and KFC.6. You can tell if someone is American by looking at

them. 7. Americans are free do whatever they want. 8. All Americans have guns, so there is more crime.9. Americans like war.10. All Americans are very open.

With a partner, discuss these questions

• How do you think stereotypes affect the relationship between China and America?

• Do you think it is important for people to see past these stereotypes? Why or why not?

• If you said yes, what can you do to help others see past these stereotypes?

Chinese stereotypes1. All Chinese people are short. 2. All Chinese people are good at math and science.3. Chinese people eat rice and noodles everyday.4. Chinese people live with their parents all their lives. 5. Chinese people are always suspicious of non-Chinese

people.6. All Chinese people know how to grow rice. 7. All Chinese people are Kungfu masters.8. Every Chinese person owns a bicycle.9. All Chinese people have poor vision. 10. Chinese people are extremely competitive.

With a partner, discuss these questions

• How did these stereotypes make you feel? (Did any of them make you laugh, surprised, angry? Why?)

• Stereotypes can be positive or negative - which of these do you think were positive, and which were negative?

• Some people think that even positive stereotypes can lead to discrimination, do you agree or disagree? And why?

Are these stereotypes?• Japanese women are gentle.• Americans are very independent.• Chinese people use chopsticks to eat.• Girls are emotional.• Boys are good at sports.• China is a communist country.• French people love food.• Chinese people are good at memorizing things.• India has many people.• The people in India are poor and dirty.