Stereotypes

Social Studies for 10th EBGTeacher: Mauricio Torres

Do we pre judge people?Ask yourself the following questions:

When someone asks you to describe a certain ethnicity, such as

Black people, how do you describe them? How would you describe Asians? How would you describe Latinos? How would you describe a "gringo"? Their looks? Their habits? The clothes they wear?

Are we doing the right thing?

Now, have you ever met one of these people? How are you so sure that you know so many of them to create an accurate portrait of them?

The problem is that in our heads we have created STEREOTYPES.

What is a stereotype?Definition

A stereotype is: a standardized mental picture that is held in common by members of a group and that represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude, or uncritical judgment.

Are they positive or negative?Subtitle color

Are stereotypes good?Stereotypes can be efficient shortcuts and sense-making tools.

They can, however, keep people from processing new or unexpected information about each individual, thus biasing the impression formation process.

I short, stereotypes can be inaccurate representations of reality.

Negative examplesIn Hollywood, Latin Americans are largely depicted as figures such as the Latino macho, gang members, (illegal) immigrants, or entertainers. For Latin American men, women's role should be limited to the kitchen and child raising.In Latin American countries, Argentinians can be stereotyped as arrogant, proud, narcissistic and racist.