Stereotypes

Stereotypes and Prejudice

Please complete the following exercises, remembering that you are in an academic setting and should remain unbiased, considerate, and professional when completing this worksheet.

Part I

Select three of the identity categories below and name or describe at least 3 related stereotypes for each:

• Race
• Ethnicity
• Religion
• Gender
• Sexual orientation
• Age
• Disability

Category Stereotype 1 Stereotype 2 Stereotype 3
Race Uneducated Poor Lazy
Sexual Orientation Confused Freak Perverted
Disability Dumb Retarded Broken

Part II

Answer each question in 50 to 100 words related to those stereotypes. Provide citations for all the sources you use.

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

Some of the positive stereotypes include, “All Asians are smart”, “All Black people are great at sports”, “All white people are successful”, “All Italians are romantic”. Even though these are great compliments for these groups, these stereotypes are still not true for all that belong to that group. With stereotypes like the ones mentioned, a person might choose to make a decision based off of the stereotype, once again, a positive (advantage) for that person/group, but since it’s only an assumption it isn’t entirely true.

• What are the negative aspects of stereotypes?

Stereotypes are assumptions generalizing a group of people. A few examples of negative stereotypes are, “All blondes are dumb”, “All redheads are promiscuous”, “All blacks are uneducated”, etc. When someone stereotypes or makes such assumptions, then they could possibly judge that person before they are given the opportunity to get to know them.

Part III

Answer each question in 50 to 150 words related to those stereotypes. Provide citations for all the sources you use.

• Define stereotypes and prejudice. What is the difference between stereotyping and prejudice? Use examples to illustrate the differences.

A stereotype is when a generalized assumption is made for all members who belong to a group not taking in consideration the possible differences each person may have. Stereotypes can be positive, neutral, or negative. Prejudice is when a person has a negative attitude towards an entire group of people. Prejudice is an attitude not an action and can consist of slurs such as “honky”, “wetback”, “gook”. The differences between stereotyping and prejudice are that in stereotyping it is an assumption made off of patterns that are seen in people belonging to a group and being prejudice is usually negative and is made usually when fear of something or someone that is different from who we are. An example comparing the two would be in stereotyping one could say “All black people have bad credit” while being prejudice one could say “I don’t black people because they are black”.

• What is the relationship between stereotyping and prejudice?

Stereotyping and being prejudice can be at the same time and/or separately.
Usually, first the stereotype is formed then prejudice can be followed. An assumption is made about a group then if the stereotype is negative when we see the same characteristics from that specific group, we then choose to form an opinion that is based off of the initial stereotype. (For Example, 2014)

• What can be done to prevent prejudice from occurring?

I feel that being prejudice comes from ignorance, lack of knowledge. If we as a society were put in more diverse environments then we would be able to better understand and get to know those who are not alike. Also, if we start to display openness and acceptance in front of the youth, who will soon be the leaders of the world, then prejudice would start to decline more and can be prevented for the future.

References

Lewin, K. (2014, January 1). Stereotypes and Prejudice. Retrieved September 3, 2014, from http://www.sparknotes.com/psychology/psych101/socialpsychology/section2.rhtml

Bartlett, N. (2014, January 1). Stereotypes and Prejudice. Retrieved September 5, 2014, from http://www.life123.com/parenting/education/social-studies/stereotypes-prejudice.shtml

Schaefer, R. (2012). Prejudice. In Racial and Ethnic Groups (Thirteenth ed.). Richard T. Schaefer: Merrill Prentice Hall.

References: Lewin, K. (2014, January 1). Stereotypes and Prejudice. Retrieved September 3, 2014, from http://www.sparknotes.com/psychology/psych101/socialpsychology/section2.rhtml Bartlett, N. (2014, January 1). Stereotypes and Prejudice. Retrieved September 5, 2014, from http://www.life123.com/parenting/education/social-studies/stereotypes-prejudice.shtml Schaefer, R. (2012). Prejudice. In Racial and Ethnic Groups (Thirteenth ed.). Richard T. Schaefer: Merrill Prentice Hall.