What is a stereotype?

The dictionary meaning (http://dictionary.reference.com) of the word stereotype states that a stereotype is a simplified and standardized conception or image invested with special meaning and held a simplified and uncommon by members of a group. This basically means it is a way of categorizing people by the way they act or look.

Stereotypes are used in the media all the time, not only on T.V. programs but also in movies, magazines and more. When stereotypes are used in movies and T.V. programs, the reason is quite simple. In movies and T.V. programs, the producers don't have hours and hours to build up an entirely new character. When they use a stereotype we can immediately relate to that character. For example: the ditzy blonde, the smart Asian, the snobby private school girl. Since the stereotypes are easy to relate to it makes the movie or T.V. program easier to watch. In T.V. programs, using stereotypes is the one way they get more viewers because then the show is easier to understand.

Not only is a stereotype something we use in the media, but something we use in our everyday life. When you meet someone for the first time, their body language, the way they talk, the way they dress and the way they walk could all affect the way you see them. Within the first 15 seconds you already have an opinion of them, this opinion is often is made without have a full conversation! For example you may be walking down the street and see a kid caring all his books and think "wow! he's such a nerd!" but actually there might be a story behind it all.

Some negative stereotypes even carry dangers to them. This is not only a downfall of stereotypes but it could cause the person you've stereotyped to be bullied because of it. An example of this could be linked back to most teenage movies. Linking back to the nerd stereotype in teenage movies, if you were to think about it, you never see a cool, popular nerd which often results in the nerd being bullied and feeling bad about himself and his self-esteem goes down.

Here's a link to a story regarding the "nerdy" kid. Its a bit of a read, but worth it.

http://www.jaredstory.com/you_never_know.html

Thanks for reading this!

Feedback is welcome :)