Spring Break
Stereotypes need to be eradicated
Rose Waters
Issue date: 2/13/09 Section: Opinions and Editorials
Consider the following statements.
Jewish people are considered frugal. Women are considered weak. Anyone with a turban is deemed a terrorist. Any Southern white is assumed to attend weekly lynching meetings and be an active member of the KKK Democrats are automatically akin to pro-choice beliefs, and Republicans do not like homosexuals.
The above may come across as mindless exaggerations or even humorous nonsense. Even so, these are beliefs to which people around the world ascribe.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a stereotype is defined as a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. These are often negative, and I would bet that most students on Shorter's campus have felt their sting.
Yet, we have to be able to overcome our tendencies toward dismissing individuals based on these predetermined beliefs.
Harold Evans, a British journalist, once said, "Attempting to get at truth means rejecting stereotypes and cliches."
This wise adage may seem to be easier said than done, especially on a college campus like Shorter whose much hailed diversity is still vulnerable to judgmental minds. For instance, I am sad to say, I actually have overheard a student say that they would not allow an airplane to take off if they were on it with a Muslim person.
This type of close-minded generalization makes me rethink my faith in humans.
However, being an optimist, all hope is not completely lost.
As we witness everyday, stereotypes seem to permeate our culture. These labels have been the topic of many movies, books and television shows. From the classic words of Harper Lee in "To Kill a Mockingbird" to the tale of the Ood on "Dr. Who," pictures are painted of stereotypes throughout time.
These forms of media are meant to encourage people to transcend and end the cycle of prejudice, but oftentimes, people watch these movies and perpetuate the cycle that they are portraying.
Jewish people are considered frugal. Women are considered weak. Anyone with a turban is deemed a terrorist. Any Southern white is assumed to attend weekly lynching meetings and be an active member of the KKK Democrats are automatically akin to pro-choice beliefs, and Republicans do not like homosexuals.
The above may come across as mindless exaggerations or even humorous nonsense. Even so, these are beliefs to which people around the world ascribe.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a stereotype is defined as a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. These are often negative, and I would bet that most students on Shorter's campus have felt their sting.
Yet, we have to be able to overcome our tendencies toward dismissing individuals based on these predetermined beliefs.
Harold Evans, a British journalist, once said, "Attempting to get at truth means rejecting stereotypes and cliches."
This wise adage may seem to be easier said than done, especially on a college campus like Shorter whose much hailed diversity is still vulnerable to judgmental minds. For instance, I am sad to say, I actually have overheard a student say that they would not allow an airplane to take off if they were on it with a Muslim person.
This type of close-minded generalization makes me rethink my faith in humans.
However, being an optimist, all hope is not completely lost.
As we witness everyday, stereotypes seem to permeate our culture. These labels have been the topic of many movies, books and television shows. From the classic words of Harper Lee in "To Kill a Mockingbird" to the tale of the Ood on "Dr. Who," pictures are painted of stereotypes throughout time.
These forms of media are meant to encourage people to transcend and end the cycle of prejudice, but oftentimes, people watch these movies and perpetuate the cycle that they are portraying.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Jim Moore
posted 2/18/09 @ 10:13 AM EST
How about adding people with a mental illness to your list of people who are stigmatized? Our organization--the National Alliance on Mental Illness--promotes awareness of mental illness and educates, supports, and advocates. (Continued…)
Steve W.
posted 2/21/09 @ 8:15 AM EST
In studying sociology we find that all stereotypes have some truth to them. We also find while studying history that whole nations form an idea based on one incident. (Continued…)
Steve W.
Steve W.
posted 2/21/09 @ 8:26 AM EST
I really like the article although I feel that they author, Rose is more than optimistic, more like idealistic and I appreciate that. If we didn't set idealistic goals, we would never accomplish anything that we have to strive for. (Continued…)
essay writing services
posted 12/03/09 @ 9:52 AM EST
I agree that stereotipes should be eradicated.
kedes
posted 4/02/10 @ 4:53 AM EST
Great article. I agree totally.
Post a Comment