Stereotypes are almost always viewed as detrimental to any community. From kindergarten, children are taught to avoid stereotypes; however, without stereotypes, society would not be able to function as smoothly as it currently does. To operate in this complex world, our brains must make general assumptions and generalizations about people, objects, and behaviors. Human brains are simply wired to create stereotypes about the world around it. To illustrate, imagine simple mathematics and problem solving without the ability to generalize, or stereotype. It is common knowledge that 1 + 1 = 2. However, what how would the brain react when 2 + 3 is presented? Without generalizations, our brain wouldn't be able to comprehend the similarity between the two equations. Instead, it would see the two equations as two completely different ideas and would be forced to remember, not learn, that 2 + 3 = 5. Simply put, without the ability to generalize and create stereotypes, our brains wouldn't be able to conceptualize the mathematical world around it.
More commonly, stereotypes are attached to generalizations about how a certain group of people act. Truthfully, there are many negative stereotypes - blacks are criminals, mexicans are rapists, etc. Stereotypes, still, are required to allow the brain to assess a situation and respond accordingly. Without simple generalizations, we would be unable to meet new people and become accustomed to new situations. Really, stereotypes act to guide everyday interactions between people of different personal and cultural backgrounds. For example, it is only common sense that one would treat a close friend differently than a stranger. Thus, stereotypes establish a mental framework, or map, for simple human interactions with people of different ages, languages, and gender. To completely reject the use of stereotypes due to a few negative stereotypes is not only dangerous to society, but is hypocritical in the truest sense. People who attempt to eliminate the usage of stereotypes are in fact stereotyping stereotypes.
There are so many things I like about this post! I thought it was interesting how you made an analogy with equations to explain how it is necessary for people to generalize people.
ReplyDeleteYour last sentence is so true, great thought. I love your picture!
Good Job!
Awesome blog! I have always loved this idea of actually needing stereotypes to exist and understand the world. I feel that stereotypes can be really harmful if used wrong, but are extremely necessary. Good writing!
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ReplyDeleteIf I were to stereotype this post on the math example, I would say it was written by an Asian. I was just kidding about that, but stereotyping Asians as people who love math can be pretty negative at times. Something that was really thought provoking about your post though was how you supported stereotypes because they help guide us through everyday life. I also liked the last sentence where you talked about stereotyping stereotypes. It brought a new perspective to the idea of stereotypes.
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