Definitions, Development and Aftermath of Racial and Gender Stereotypes

Stereotypes By Sonali Matadin

Do women really have to be the chef’s at home and cook everyday whilst men sit on the couch for hours? Are all races treated equally? I bet you Donald Trump would have something to say about this. A stereotype is a widely accepted prejudgment or bias about a person or group of people, despite inaccuracies proven by factual information. Stereotypes are the reason for development of false beliefs regarding race, gender, profession and religion.

Good morning class and teacher, today I will be delivering a speech to you based on the definitions, development and aftermath of racial and gender stereotypes.

We can develop stereotypes in many different ways. When we are young, we are taught to order people and objects into different categories. However children tend to put less of a strain on contributing values to these categories. Whereas when we grow older, we are influenced by parents, peers and the media as we tend to label different groups as inferior or superior. This can also be a result of when we have less contact with a particular group. Therefore we are more likely to develop negative feelings about that particular group. Negative experiences that come about with a particular group will strengthen our stereotypes and can create fears about that population. Due to our fears we develop an us-versus-them mentality. Therefore we miss opportunities to learn from other groups and set aside our differences.

Racial Stereotypes

In society, gender stereotypes depict how females and males are expected to act, speak, dress and conduct themselves based upon an assigned sex. Stereotypes based on gender result to unequal and unfair treatment due to a person’s gender and is commonly known as racism.

Racial stereotypes are memories that we attach to a certain racial group. When we stereotype people based on race, we divide ourselves due to racial differences. Due to our racial stereotypes being so defined, we tend to ignore information that is not followed by the stereotype that we have developed about the racial group.

Racial stereotypes are harmful and this ignores the full humanity and uniqueness of a person. When our assumptions of different races are misrepresented and stereotypical, it is limiting and hurtful to others. In certain situations, people who are constantly labelled in a negative way may begin to inherit feelings of inferiority. Racial stereotypes may also lead to feelings of hate and aggression which may lead to a false sense of entitlement and superiority. For certain individuals who have power, this could lead to their engagement in discriminatory and racist practices.

Gender Stereotypes

In society, gender stereotypes depict how females and males are expected to act, speak, dress and conduct themselves based upon an assigned sex. Stereotypes based on gender result to unequal and unfair treatment due to a person’s gender and is commonly known as sexism.

I will be discussing four kinds of gender stereotypes: Personality; Domestic; Occupational; Physical. Personality traits: Women who are expected to be courteous and emotional. Whereas men are expected to be bold and aggressive.

Domestic behaviours: Society expects women to take care of the children, cook, and clean the house. However men are expected totake care of finances and do home repairs. Occupations: Many women are segregated into the occupations of teachers and nurses. Whereas men are segregated into the occupations of pilots and engineers.

Physical appearance: Woman are expected to be thin and graceful, however men expected to be tall and muscular. In addition genders are expected to dress in certain ways. Men are believed to wear pants and short hairstyles. In comparison to women, who are supposed to wear dresses and Make-up

Extreme gender stereotypes are harmful because as they do not allow people to completely express themselves and their emotions. Men may feel that they are not allowed to cry or express their sensitivity. On the other hand, women may feel that they are not allowed to be independent or assertive.

Girls and women are usually expected to dress in typical feminine ways and be polite, accommodating, and nurturing. Whereas men are expected to be strong, aggressive, and bold. Every society, ethnic group, and culture has gender role expectations, but this is varies according to inter-differences and unfair in many instances. The common example of pink for girls and blue for boys conveys how change in the society can take place over time. How Can We Fight Stereotypes?

1. Point it out — Point out the negative gender stereotypes that are hard to see in magazines, TV, film, and the Internet. Talk with friends and family members about stereotypes you experience and help others understand how sexism and gender stereotypes can be hurtful.
2. Be a role model for your friends and family. Respect people regardless of their gender identity. Make people feel safe by helping them express themselves and their true qualities regardless of what society’s gender stereotypes and expectations are.
3. Speak up to those making stereotypical jokes and comments, whether it be online or in person, challenge them.
4. Break the barrier of normality — If you want to do something that is not normally associated with your gender, think about whether you will be safe doing it. If you think you will, give it a try. People will learn from your example.

It may help you to talk to a trusted parent, friend or family member if you are struggling with gender or identity expectations.