Stereotypes and Prejudice

• What are the positive aspects of stereotypes, if any?

Most stereotypes are negative and may cause much harm but there are positive stereotypes, which also have a negative impact because they influence prejudice. One positive thing that can be gained from stereotypes is self-motivation. “Still other researchers have conceptualized the benefits of stereotype use in more motivational terms, such as self-enhancement.” (Lambart, 1997, abstract, Para. 2) Negative comments can sometimes be used to reinforce our self-esteem and prove everyone wrong. From experience, I can say the statement is true, I am the oldest of three girls, and my father always had high aspirations for us, yet low expectations. Never truly believing in our capacity to complete higher education and maintain a decent job, he always said, “Hispanics are lazy and like the easy way out, we prefer money rather than obtaining a degree.” Rather than bringing me down, I set a goal to prove his beliefs are wrong, and I will be one Hispanic who succeeds.

• What are the negative aspects of stereotypes?

Stereotypes cause physical, mental, and emotional problems to most whom are offended. Emotional problems such as depression, low self-esteem, and losing the desire to succeed in life are a few of the negative aspects of stereotyping. Some suffer physical problems, which include self-mutilation caused by mental and emotional harm, and eating disorders. Some are extremely under weight to avoid stereotypes. The extent of the harm depends on how strong the person is, and their ability to surpass negative comments.

• What can be done to prevent prejudice from occurring?

Unlike categorization, prejudice is not human nature therefore we can control it. Prejudice is pre judgments that we make based on myths and hypothesis not facts. To prevent prejudice form occurring, we need to keep in mind we are all human beings, and have the right to be treated equal. Like the law states “Innocent until proven guilty,” We should first learn about the person, and find the reason toward their actions before we judge. We must keep in mind we all have the right to make mistakes and no one is free from them, but most important, we need to keep in mind that prejudiced comments hurt people in numerous ways, and we do not want to be part of their pain. I read a book “Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher, in which a teenage girl kills herself because of the prejudiced comments thirteen different people made about her. It took only 13 reasons for her to kill herself, because one comment itself didn’t hurt, but all 13 had a snowball effect and kept rolling, getting bigger every time, Once the snowball got to a certain size, she wasn’t able to take all the negative comments and decided to kill herself.