Stereotypes

What is a stereotype?

- A person or individual who fits into a certain form or group. e.g.

• Emo's
• Goth's
  
• Popular's
• Chav's
• Hippies
• Nerd's
• Geek's
• Comedian's
• Sporty
• Drama
• Dance
• Scene

Tessa Perkins

 - Stereotyping isn't a simple process and and contains a number of assumptions that can be challenged.

5 Assumptions;

• Stereotypes aren't always negative e.g. the French are good cooks.
• They aren't always about minority groups or the less powerful e.g. upper class twits
• They can be held about one's own group
• they aren't rigid or unchanging
• They aren't always false.

- People assume that stereotypes one negative for e.g. young troublesome youths 'hoodie culture'. they assume that stereotypes are aimed at and targeted towards lower class however it does happen the other way round.

- They can be held about one's own group, we're based as a group within Wyke college, within our own group we can stereotype or individual.

- Once a stereotype has been created it is very hard to change however Perkins states that over a period of time can change and develop.

- There has to be some truth in them other wise where would the representation come from.

- We witness and read many stories in the media that helps us shape and understand.

- They are about groups with whom we have little or no social contract; by implication therefore, they're not held about one's own group that;s a stereotype of a stereotype. How can this be reliable or believable.

- They're about minority or repressed groups most of the time creating negative representation of the lower class possibly giving the upper-class more power.

- People either 'hold' stereotypes of a groups or don't. this can lead to negative behaviour or wrong assumptions.

- Before someone holds a stereotype of a group his or her behaviour towards a member of that group can be predicted. This can lead to unfair treatment of certain members of society.