How Do We Solve a Problem Like....Stereotypes Essay Example for Free

How Do We Solve a Problem Like.Stereotypes Essay We can say that stereotypes are based in some kernel of truth. Some stereotypes are self-perpetuating, but is it up to the minority itself to regulate and stop those who perpetuate certain stereotypes? Can you tell one group of a minority to stop acting a certain way, to stop dressing a certain way, to stop talking a certain way? Would it really be better for society if we took out the kernels causing all the self-perpetuating problems? I believe the first step is in recognizing the stereotypes and prejudices we believe. From there, the process of eliminating them involves confronting your beliefs by meeting people that are different from you or challenge your thinking. Communication and being able to meet people who are not exactly like us are key factors in breaking down the walls of prejudice that we have made comfortable for ourselves. This class, I believe, is one step in the process, in getting us to step outside of our comfortable little worlds and discuss, see, and hopefully understand points of view and experiences that are shaped by the prejudices we have and the stereotypes we have made. I grew up about fifteen minutes north of NW Oklahoma City, and about fifteen minutes west of Edmond in the community of Deer Creek. Through the oil boom in the 70s and early 80s, Deer Creek started to become more and more of a white flight community of executives, business owners, and oil men than even Edmond. The majority of my school was white with a few racial minorities. No one in the late 90s had come out as gay in my high school, though the people that were assumed gay werent ever treated negatively to my knowledge. I literally had a white, middle to upper-middle class, heteronormativeexistence the first 18 years of my life. Then I came to college. Oh, here is where we might speak of the evils of the college world where students are subjected to such horrid liberal ideas that, dare we say it, challenge our thinking and beliefs. That is if I was prone to speaking ill of such an idea. It was through meeting other people not like my high school self that I began to be able to question why I had such beliefs about people. http://overmediated.blogspot.com/2009/06/how-are-stereotypes-formed-who-has.html Now, the question is: What would be a solution for stereotyping.? In some cases, eliminating the ignorance associated with social stereotypes is probable, but there is also just as great a chance that the inductee or ethnographers, will turn against them vehemently Much depends upon the purpose and the mission of the ethnographer. Whether a new understanding of any social group or sect will bring about greater tolerance is a passion many seek. Through the development of any such ethnographic abilities, the sacredness of all life will be intimately recognized and appreciated. Good question. Source(s): http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110206145145AAnHV41 http://www.ehow.com/how_2081756_stop-stereotyping-people.html Appearance * Appearance creates stereotypes in society that exist outside of gender, race or traditional social standing. These stereotypes are designed to help society place an individual within a group of people in the society for identification purposes. For instance, a person who has a large amount of visible tattoos may be stereotyped as a threatening or bad person by a segment of society while someone in a business suit may be stereotyped as trustworthy. Without further investigation beyond the initial appearance of an individual, the person using the stereotype may not know that the person with the tattoos is the leader of a local Parent Teacher Organization or that the person in the business suit is a bank robber. A stereotype based on appearance can negatively impact a persons social standing or opportunities for jobs. Read more: The Effects of Stereotyping In America | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_8563840_effects-stereotyping-america.html#ixzz2Lu64onkh nyone and everyone are getting them, as there no longer is a â€Å"type† to get tattoos. Unfortunately, employers still have a say about the acceptability of tattoos if it is in their dress code. They can say no to visible tattoos as long as they are consistent across the board about it.