Stereotype
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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| + | [[Image:Illustration by Gustave Doré, 1873.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Caricature]] of an [[obese]] man<br>Illustration: ''[[Gargantua and Pantagruel]]'' by François Rabelais, illustrated by Gustave Doré in 1873]] | ||
| + | {| class="toccolours" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 2em; font-size: 85%; background:#c6dbf7; color:black; width:30em; max-width: 40%;" cellspacing="5" | ||
| + | | style="text-align: left;" | | ||
| + | "What’s [[heaven]]? Heaven is where the [[police]] are [[Britishness|British]], the [[chef]]s are [[France|French]], the [[mechanics]] are [[Germany|German]], the [[lover]]s are [[Italy|Italian]] and the [[bank|banker]]s are [[Switzerland|Swiss]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | So then, what’s [[hell]]? Hell is where the police are German, the chefs are British, the mechanics are French, the lovers are Swiss and the bankers are Italian." [[Heaven is where the police are British|[...]]] | ||
| + | <hr> | ||
| + | "An [[idea]] is always a [[generalization]], and generalization is a property of thinking. To generalize means to think [[To generalize means to think|[...]]]."-- [[Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel|Hegel]] | ||
| + | <hr> | ||
| + | "''[[Reel Bad Arabs ]]'' (2006), ''[[The Slanted Screen]]'' (2006) and ''[[Inventing the Indian]]'' (2012) criticize [[racism]] and [[Ethnic stereotype|racial stereotypes]] in cinema."--Sholem Stein | ||
| + | <hr> | ||
| + | "[Through [[Aesop]]] [...] we acquire certain [[stereotypes of animals|opinions of the several animal]]s and think of some of them as royal animals, of others as silly, of others as witty, of others as innocent." --''[[The life of Apollonius of Tyana]]'' by Philostratus | ||
| + | |} | ||
| + | [[Image:Ill-Matched Lovers (Quentin Matsys).jpg |thumb|right|200px|''[[Ill-Matched Lovers (Quentin Matsys)|Ill-Matched Lovers]]'' (c. 1520/1525) by Quentin Matsys, illustrating the [[stereotype]]s [[senex amans]] and the [[gold digger]]]] | ||
| + | [[Image:Cover of the brochure of the Entartete Musik exhibition.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Caricature of a black man<br> | ||
| + | Source: cover of the brochure of the "[[Entartete Musik]] exhibition]] | ||
| + | [[Image:Les Poires.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''[[Les Poires]]'', a [[caricature]] of French king [[Charles Philipon]]]] | ||
| {{Template}} | {{Template}} | ||
| - | '''Stereotypes''' [[generalized]] ideas and [[representation]]s held about members of particular groups, based primarily on membership in that group. They may be positive or negative [[prejudicial]], and may be used to justify certain [[discrimination|discriminatory behaviours]]. Some people consider all stereotypes to be negative. Stereotypes are rarely completely accurate, based on some kernel of truth, or fabriacted out of whole cloth. | + | '''Stereotypes''' are [[generalized]] ideas and [[representation]]s about members of particular groups, based primarily on membership in that [[group]]. They may be positive or negative [[prejudicial]], and may be used to justify certain [[discrimination|discriminatory behaviours]]. Some people consider all stereotypes to be negative. Stereotypes connect with [[stock character]]s, [[cliché]]s and [[trope]]s and are contrasted with [[individuality]], [[originality]] and [[unicity]]. |
| == Description == | == Description == | ||
| - | Stereotypes are assumed characteristics on a large group of individuals whose beliefs, habits, a. | + | Stereotypes are assumed characteristics based on a large group of individuals whose beliefs, habits, and actions are perceived to be similar. |
| Stereotype production can be based on | Stereotype production can be based on | ||
| - | *Simplification | + | *[[Simplification]] |
| - | *Exaggeration | + | *[[Exaggeration]] |
| - | *Generalization | + | *[[Generalization]] |
| *Presentation of cultural attributes as being 'natural' | *Presentation of cultural attributes as being 'natural' | ||
| *Unshakable belief in stability of stereotype | *Unshakable belief in stability of stereotype | ||
| - | *Racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination | + | *[[Racism]], [[sexism]], [[homophobia]], and other forms of [[discrimination]] |
| *Historical factors | *Historical factors | ||
| *Guilt by association | *Guilt by association | ||
| - | *Can be beneficial or harmful | ||
| - | Stereotypes are seen by many as undesirable beliefs imposed to justify the acts of discrimination and oppression. It is thought that education and/or familiarization can change these misbeliefs. Other negative effects are: | + | Stereotypes are seen by many as [[undesirable]] beliefs imposed to justify the acts of discrimination and [[oppression]]. It is thought that education and/or familiarization can change these misbeliefs. Other negative effects are: |
| *justification of ill-founded prejudices or ignorance | *justification of ill-founded prejudices or ignorance | ||
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| Students who were implicitly made aware of their gender behaved as the stereotype suggested: | Students who were implicitly made aware of their gender behaved as the stereotype suggested: | ||
| - | Asian-American women performed better in math tests when being aware of being Asian, and did worse when being reminded of being women.[http://www.understandingprejudice.org/apa/english/page14.htm] | + | Asian-American women performed better in math tests when being aware of being Asian, and did worse when being reminded of being women. |
| Stereotyping can also be created by the media, showing an incorrect judgment of a culture or place. | Stereotyping can also be created by the media, showing an incorrect judgment of a culture or place. | ||
| Line 34: | Line 50: | ||
| * Stereotypes are a generalization of characteristics; they reduce complexity, provide stability, and offer opportunities to identify oneself with others. | * Stereotypes are a generalization of characteristics; they reduce complexity, provide stability, and offer opportunities to identify oneself with others. | ||
| * [[Prejudice]]s are either an abstract-general preconception or an [[attitude]] towards individuals. | * [[Prejudice]]s are either an abstract-general preconception or an [[attitude]] towards individuals. | ||
| + | ==Role in art and culture== | ||
| + | |||
| + | Stereotypes are common in various cultural [[media (communication)|media]], where they take the form of dramatic [[stock character]]s. These characters are found in the works of playwright [[Bertolt Brecht]], [[Dario Fo]], and [[Jacques Lecoq]], who characterize their actors as stereotypes for theatrical effect. In [[commedia dell'arte]] this is similarly common. The instantly recognizable nature of stereotypes mean that they are effective in [[advertising]] and [[situation comedy]]. These stereotypes change, and in modern times only a few of the stereotyped characters shown in [[John Bunyan]]'s ''[[The Pilgrim's Progress]]'' would be recognizable. | ||
| + | |||
| + | In [[literature]] and [[art]], stereotypes are [[cliché]]d or predictable characters or situations. Throughout history, storytellers have drawn from stereotypical characters and situations, in order to connect the audience with new tales immediately. Sometimes such stereotypes can be sophisticated, such as [[Shakespeare]]'s [[Shylock]] in ''The Merchant of Venice''. Arguably a stereotype that becomes complex and sophisticated ceases to be a stereotype ''per se'' by its unique characterization. Thus while Shylock remains politically unstable in being a stereotypical [[Jew]], the subject of [[prejudice|prejudicial]] derision in Shakespeare's era, his many other detailed features raise him above a simple stereotype and into a unique character, worthy of modern performance. Simply because one feature of a character can be categorized as being typical does not make the entire character a stereotype. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Despite their proximity in etymological roots, cliché and stereotype are not used synonymously in cultural spheres. For example a cliché is a high criticism in [[narratology]] where [[genre]] and [[categorization]] automatically associates a story within its recognizable group. Labeling a situation or character in a story as ''typical'' suggests it is fitting for its genre or category. Whereas declaring that a storyteller has relied on cliché is to pejoratively observe a simplicity and lack of originality in the tale. To criticize [[Ian Fleming]] for a ''stereotypically'' unlikely escape for [[James Bond]] would be understood by the reader or listener, but it would be more appropriately criticized as a cliché in that it is overused and reproduced. [[Narrative]] genre relies heavily on ''typical'' features to remain recognizable and generate meaning in the reader/viewer. | ||
| + | |||
| + | In movies and TV the [[halo effect]] is often used. This is when, for example, attractive men and women are assumed to be happier, stronger, nicer people. | ||
| ==Stereotypes of groups== | ==Stereotypes of groups== | ||
| Common stereotypes include a variety of allegations about groups based on [[Ageing|age]], [[Ethnic group|ethnicity]], [[gender]], [[nationality]], dis/ability, [[profession]], [[sexual orientation]], [[race]], [[religion|religious]] belief, size, physical appearance, [[social class]] (see [[social stereotype]]). Stereotypes can also be based on individual impairments. | Common stereotypes include a variety of allegations about groups based on [[Ageing|age]], [[Ethnic group|ethnicity]], [[gender]], [[nationality]], dis/ability, [[profession]], [[sexual orientation]], [[race]], [[religion|religious]] belief, size, physical appearance, [[social class]] (see [[social stereotype]]). Stereotypes can also be based on individual impairments. | ||
| + | ==By region== | ||
| + | :''[[ethnic stereotypes]]'' | ||
| - | ==Stereotypes in culture== | ||
| - | Stereotypes are common in the world of [[drama]], where the term is often used as a form of dramatic [[shorthand]] for "[[stock character]]". In [[literature]] and [[art]], stereotypes are [[cliché]]d or predictable characters or situations. For example, the stereotypical [[devil]] is a red, impish character with horns, bifurcated tail, and a [[trident]], whilst the stereotypical [[sales]]man is a slickly-dressed, fast-talking individual who cannot usually be trusted. The Italian [[commedia dell'arte]] was known for its [[stock character]]s and stock situations, which could be considered drama stereotypes. Throughout history, storytellers have drawn from stereotypical characters and situations, in order to quickly connect the audience with new tales. Sometimes such stereotypes can be very complex and sophisticated, such as [[Shakespeare]]'s [[Shylock]] in ''The Merchant of Venice''. | ||
| - | |||
| - | The instantly recognisable nature of stereotypes mean that they are very useful in producing effective [[advertising]] and [[situation comedy]]. Media stereotypes change and evolve over time - for instance, we now instantly recognize only a few of the stereotyped characters shown to us in [[John Bunyan]]'s ''[[The Pilgrim's Progress]]''. | ||
| == See also == | == See also == | ||
| - | * [[Ethnic stereotypes]] | + | * [[Archetype]] |
| - | * [[Stereotypes of White Americans and Europeans]] | + | * [[Attribute substitution]] |
| + | * [[Attributional bias]] | ||
| + | * [[Cognitive bias]] | ||
| + | * [[Statistical syllogism]] | ||
| + | * [[Counterstereotype]] (antonym) | ||
| + | * [[Face-ism]] | ||
| + | * [[Implicit stereotypes]] | ||
| + | * [[Labeling theory]] | ||
| + | *[[Positive stereotype]] | ||
| + | * [[Scapegoating]] | ||
| + | * [[Stigmatization]] | ||
| + | * [[Negativity effect]] | ||
| + | * [[Outgroup homogeneity bias]] | ||
| + | * [[Trait ascription bias]] | ||
| + | * [[Stigma management]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | ;Gender | ||
| + | * [[Gender role]] | ||
| + | * [[Masculinity]], [[male stereotype]] | ||
| + | * [[Femininity]], [[female stereotype]] | ||
| + | * [[Gender differences]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Examples of stereotypes=== | ||
| + | ;Cultural and ethnic | ||
| + | *[[List of anti-cultural, anti-national, and anti-ethnic terms]] | ||
| + | * [[Stereotypes of white people]] | ||
| + | * [[Stereotypes of Americans]] | ||
| + | **[[Stereotypes of groups within the United States]] | ||
| + | * [[Stereotypes of Argentines]] | ||
| + | * [[Stereotypes of South Asians]] | ||
| + | * [[Stereotypes of Jews]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | ;Sexuality related | ||
| * [[LGBT stereotypes]] | * [[LGBT stereotypes]] | ||
| + | * [[List of sexuality related phobias]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | ;Other | ||
| * [[Stereotypes of animals]] | * [[Stereotypes of animals]] | ||
| + | * [[Blonde stereotype]]s | ||
| + | * [[Nurse stereotypes]] | ||
| + | * [[Physical attractiveness stereotype]] | ||
| + | |||
| {{GFDL}} | {{GFDL}} | ||
Current revision
Illustration: Gargantua and Pantagruel by François Rabelais, illustrated by Gustave Doré in 1873
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"What’s heaven? Heaven is where the police are British, the chefs are French, the mechanics are German, the lovers are Italian and the bankers are Swiss. So then, what’s hell? Hell is where the police are German, the chefs are British, the mechanics are French, the lovers are Swiss and the bankers are Italian." [...] "An idea is always a generalization, and generalization is a property of thinking. To generalize means to think [...]."-- Hegel "Reel Bad Arabs (2006), The Slanted Screen (2006) and Inventing the Indian (2012) criticize racism and racial stereotypes in cinema."--Sholem Stein "[Through Aesop] [...] we acquire certain opinions of the several animals and think of some of them as royal animals, of others as silly, of others as witty, of others as innocent." --The life of Apollonius of Tyana by Philostratus |
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Featured: |
Stereotypes are generalized ideas and representations about members of particular groups, based primarily on membership in that group. They may be positive or negative prejudicial, and may be used to justify certain discriminatory behaviours. Some people consider all stereotypes to be negative. Stereotypes connect with stock characters, clichés and tropes and are contrasted with individuality, originality and unicity.
Contents |
Description
Stereotypes are assumed characteristics based on a large group of individuals whose beliefs, habits, and actions are perceived to be similar.
Stereotype production can be based on
- Simplification
- Exaggeration
- Generalization
- Presentation of cultural attributes as being 'natural'
- Unshakable belief in stability of stereotype
- Racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination
- Historical factors
- Guilt by association
Stereotypes are seen by many as undesirable beliefs imposed to justify the acts of discrimination and oppression. It is thought that education and/or familiarization can change these misbeliefs. Other negative effects are:
- justification of ill-founded prejudices or ignorance
- unwillingness to rethink one's attitudes and behavior towards stereotyped group
- self-fulfilling prophecy for both stereotyping and stereotyped group (white people treat black people in a more hostile way because they are afraid of them; black people accordingly react more aggressively, thus confirming the stereotype...)
Unhealthy stereotypes can be negative or positive, even for the same group: Black men are generally supposed to be good musicians and basketball players, but at the same time seen as aggressive, prone to lives of crime, and likely to be on drugs. The effects of stereotypes can have positive and negative effects: Students who were implicitly made aware of their gender behaved as the stereotype suggested:
Asian-American women performed better in math tests when being aware of being Asian, and did worse when being reminded of being women.
Stereotyping can also be created by the media, showing an incorrect judgment of a culture or place.
Often the terms stereotype and prejudice are confused:
- Stereotypes are a generalization of characteristics; they reduce complexity, provide stability, and offer opportunities to identify oneself with others.
- Prejudices are either an abstract-general preconception or an attitude towards individuals.
Role in art and culture
Stereotypes are common in various cultural media, where they take the form of dramatic stock characters. These characters are found in the works of playwright Bertolt Brecht, Dario Fo, and Jacques Lecoq, who characterize their actors as stereotypes for theatrical effect. In commedia dell'arte this is similarly common. The instantly recognizable nature of stereotypes mean that they are effective in advertising and situation comedy. These stereotypes change, and in modern times only a few of the stereotyped characters shown in John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress would be recognizable.
In literature and art, stereotypes are clichéd or predictable characters or situations. Throughout history, storytellers have drawn from stereotypical characters and situations, in order to connect the audience with new tales immediately. Sometimes such stereotypes can be sophisticated, such as Shakespeare's Shylock in The Merchant of Venice. Arguably a stereotype that becomes complex and sophisticated ceases to be a stereotype per se by its unique characterization. Thus while Shylock remains politically unstable in being a stereotypical Jew, the subject of prejudicial derision in Shakespeare's era, his many other detailed features raise him above a simple stereotype and into a unique character, worthy of modern performance. Simply because one feature of a character can be categorized as being typical does not make the entire character a stereotype.
Despite their proximity in etymological roots, cliché and stereotype are not used synonymously in cultural spheres. For example a cliché is a high criticism in narratology where genre and categorization automatically associates a story within its recognizable group. Labeling a situation or character in a story as typical suggests it is fitting for its genre or category. Whereas declaring that a storyteller has relied on cliché is to pejoratively observe a simplicity and lack of originality in the tale. To criticize Ian Fleming for a stereotypically unlikely escape for James Bond would be understood by the reader or listener, but it would be more appropriately criticized as a cliché in that it is overused and reproduced. Narrative genre relies heavily on typical features to remain recognizable and generate meaning in the reader/viewer.
In movies and TV the halo effect is often used. This is when, for example, attractive men and women are assumed to be happier, stronger, nicer people.
Stereotypes of groups
Common stereotypes include a variety of allegations about groups based on age, ethnicity, gender, nationality, dis/ability, profession, sexual orientation, race, religious belief, size, physical appearance, social class (see social stereotype). Stereotypes can also be based on individual impairments.
By region
See also
- Archetype
- Attribute substitution
- Attributional bias
- Cognitive bias
- Statistical syllogism
- Counterstereotype (antonym)
- Face-ism
- Implicit stereotypes
- Labeling theory
- Positive stereotype
- Scapegoating
- Stigmatization
- Negativity effect
- Outgroup homogeneity bias
- Trait ascription bias
- Stigma management
- Gender
Examples of stereotypes
- Cultural and ethnic
- List of anti-cultural, anti-national, and anti-ethnic terms
- Stereotypes of white people
- Stereotypes of Americans
- Stereotypes of Argentines
- Stereotypes of South Asians
- Stereotypes of Jews
- Sexuality related
- Other
