Stereotypes Introduction to Socialization with Racism

Definitions - Stereotypes Simplified traits given to a person or specific group Believe that all people with a similar characteristic are the same Can shape thinking about people and situations rather than see everyone as a unique individual Often based in history

Definitions - Prejudice Refer to internal thoughts, feelings,, attitudes, and assumptions about a group Relates to our own ideas about the social group they belong to Occurs when value is added to a stereotype Everyone has prejudices, we deny them because society tells us they are bad

Definitions - Discrimination Actions based on prejudices against other social groups or individuals Examples: ignoring, avoiding, excluding, jokes, threats, violence Learned from our own social groups

Why are Stereotypes Bad? They don’t encourage success Can lead to bullying from a young age – picking on people because of characteristics can lead to more severe bullying Can lead to lives full of hate or fear depending on whether you are the victim or the propagator

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Most Common Types of Stereotypes - Racial Grouping an entire race together according to general opinions or observations Example: all black people are good athletes

Most Common Types of Stereotypes - Gender Profiling people according to there gender as a male or female Example: all girls like pink, and all boys like blue

Most Common Types of Stereotypes - Cultural General assumptions about cultures or countries as a whole Example: all Canadians live in igloos and say “eh”

Most Common Types of Stereotypes - Group/Individual Grouping of people according to traits (cliques) Most often seen in schools Example: Preps, Jocks, Goths, Skaters, etc.

Most Common Types of Stereotypes - Sexual In relation to sexual orientation and how people act Example: homophobia

Extreme Situations Racism – believe a certain race is better than another, based on a person’s prejudices and aren’t reasonable Homophobia – fear or hatred of people because of their sexual orientation or gender identification

How do you stop stereotypes?

Fighting Stereotypes – HOW? Be aware of them and actively try to change Think before you act towards another person Think of people as an individual rather than part of a group Affirm self worth (victims) so comments won’t effect them as much Look to role models for guidance Watch language used to describe situations