University of Tennessee
January 23, 2012
Stereotyping
Stereotyping can be defined as creating false and often harsh representations of an individual or group of individuals. By believing these types of untrue characteristics it influences society and becomes a disadvantage to the social worker by instilling unwanted internal biases. (Skovholt & Rivers, 2007, pg. 80) The media incorporates negative portrayals of stereotypes for entertainment value but this misconception does not inform the public of the accurate rendering of a specific population. According to Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman (2010) not everyone knows they’re guilty of stereotyping, by laughing at certain types of jokes or watching these comedies and finding