Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Blog #8 Defining Stereotypes




Thank you for Today's discussion in class. Please know that our classroom is a safe place. Our classroom is a place that is meant for us to learn, develop and grow. We will all learn from each other, so please let your voice be heard. 

 Thank you Kris for beginning our discussion on stereotypes. I would like to take that discussion a bit further and continue to discuss it on our blog.

 From now on you have until Thursday night at 11:30pm to complete your comment #1 and your comment #2 is due Monday at 11:30 pm. Please do plan accordingly and complete your assignment on time.

 

Defining stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination


Definitions

Stereotyping:

  • Stereotypes involve generalizations about the "typical" characteristics of members of the groups. Jane is a female, so she probably has characteristics x, y, z, .......

Prejudice:

  • attitude toward the members of some group based solely on their membership in that group (can be positive or negative)

Discrimination:

  • actual positive or negative actions toward the objects of prejudice

Cognitive Sources of Prejudice: Stereotypes

Measuring stereotypes

Several ways of measuring stereotypes

For example:

(1) By measuring the straightforward attribution of characteristics to nominated groups

Baptists are....?Men are...?
Blacks are...?
Mormons are...?
Whites are...?
Doctors are...?
Women are...?
Professors are...?

(2) By identifying the salient characteristics attributed to groups (relative to other groups).

What characteristics "stand out" the most about the group?Football players?
Car salespeople?
Actors?


Where do Stereotypes Come From?

Cognitive sources

  • Social categorization: classifying people into groups based on common attributes (back to the cognitive miser idea)
  • Ingroup - outgroup & the outgroup homogeneity effect:

       Assuming greater similarity among       characteristics of the outgroup than ingroup ("us" vs. "them")

Based on several factors:


  • We don't have as much exposure to members of the outgroup (compared to members of ingroup). So, we don't have chance to learn about individual idiosyncrasies in outgroup members


  • Probably also a cultural phenomenon. Americans really show the outgroup homogeneity effect compared to other cultures. Americans like to see self as "individualistic"

What Impact do Stereotypes Have?

  • Distort our perceptions: The contrast effect
  • Once stereotype is activated, these traits easily come to mind
  • Affect the information we attend to and, therefore, notice and quickly process

  • We'll attend more to stereotype-consistent information
  • Stereotype-inconsistent information activates attempts to disconfirm/reject it

Stereotypes obviously affect social judgments we make about other:

  • They influence how much we like the person
  • They are reflected in the mood the person "puts" us in
  • Our expectations regarding probability of certain behaviors in the person



Now I would like you to read and watch all the videos provided at this website: http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-racial-stereotypes.php Do you feel this is helpful or harmful and why?

Stereotypes develop for a reason but why and when  do they become dangerous? What can you do to educate yourself about race, gender, sexual orientation, and religion to see a person as an individual within these groups?

33 comments:

  1. I feel like the website was helpful. It gave reasons why people see these stereotypes but it also gave some reasons why you shouldn’t believe them. It specifically brought the commonly known stereotypes to light and made sure to lay out what was wrong with them. There are exceptions to everything, so obviously stereotypes have them as well.
    I think stereotypes arise because we are ethnocentric and feel as if we are superior to other cultures. We see differences from our culture to be lesser and so therefore people who fall into that group will be seen in one light. They will become dangerous if the feeling of other cultures as inferior to ours becomes a hatred toward that group. That hatred will spread and will the language and the attitudes towards those people.
    In order to educate myself about race, gender, sexual orientation, and religion, I must first accept that I am racist, sexist, etc. From there, I can be open-minded and see that each belief is not inferior or superior to my own; they are equal on every level. Every person has the right to believe whatever they want and they should not be criticized for exercising their rights. I should recognize the differences and celebrate them. See the differences, know that they are there, and know that just because one is different doesn’t mean that they are lesser or greater. Every culture is different, and in those cultures there are people. These people are not the same as we are; there are thousands of differences within our cultures and therefore our beliefs and norms. We all are individuals, and as soon as we recognize that then I think it will be easier for us to become educated.

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    1. Jenny,
      I completely agree with you when you said that stereotypes arise because we are "ethnocentric" and always try to see the differences in people and use these differences to separate people and find something to degrade them, and in doing so it will make you appear more normal. I also agree that this can lead to animosity on both sides and this can lead to hatred of whole races/religions/cultures ect. This is what happened in the Holocaust and continues to happen in the world even today. Some stereotypes may be in good humour but it always hurts someone, no matter what. This is why stereotypes is a big fuel source for many conflicts in the world.
      Being open minded is very difficult to do but if you are willing to learn more about people who are different from ypurself, this is the first step towards being more accepting of others.

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    2. Jenny, I agree when you said that stereotyping does mean you are racist, sexist etc. It is true because stereotyping is when you ae making a comment on someones race or sex.

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  2. Racism is so ridiculous, and I know as a Christian, and Caucasian man that most people think that I wouldn't fully understand being stereotype. The answer I do know I'm from the Southern tip of Illinois, and when moved to Minnesota I did have a slight Southern drawl, and I was picked on for it in middle school, fortunately I was able grow out of my drawl from being surrounded my Minnesotans, I lost my drawl. People that are picked on from the way they look or even down to what color of skin they have, don't have the opportunity to change. Yes there are surgeries that are available, but I feel why change who you are to please someone else. "Stand up for what you believe in, even of your standing alone"(Unknown)people are who they are and that makes them, who they are.
    There are very few stereotypes that are truly only used in a positive, and to be honest I can't even think of one! That's said, because we as the younger generation grew up with the media when it was starting to BOOM! As seen through the website, all of those videos were being used to entertain, but I know we all laugh at some type of stereotypical jokes, or slurs, myself included. As I get older, I realize that we laugh at other people's culture, looks, choices, and religion, and sometimes I see these in real life, people laughing at this stuff, and when we really look at something in educational side, we all know that it's wrong, but I've always been afraid at times to say that's not right.
    I AM RACIST, SEXIST, and everything that can be categorized under racist or prejudice. I'm not happy about this about in my first few years in high school I made fun of everyone for anything, until one day when i got into serious trouble about it, fortunately the person I used to make fun of, him and I grew very close and we are great friends now, but what if we weren't? I ask myself that all the time!
    To educate myself further in racial, and prejudicial things, I could befriend more people of different backgrounds and interests than myself. I'm a people person so surrounding myself around others that are different Ill learn way more than I would be able to from a book.

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    1. Kristopher,
      First off I would like to say that I am very impressed on how open you are and able to share exactly what you believe. I think that is commendable. Second off, I agree racism is ridiculous. There is no time or place for it. One should not have to change who they are to set themselves apart from a stereotype. That stereotype should be dissolved so someone does not have to become a new person.
      I too cannot find a stereotype that can be used in a positive way. I can remember Monica telling us a story about how her friend was labeled a bitch because she was quiet and she embraced that title. If you can embrace a stereotype to your advantage for you personally it may become a positive one. It is common nature for us to laugh at the misfortunes of others; it was how society has taught us to become a “better” person. Put others down to build yourself up. We have to check ourselves and realize what we do and say may be harmful to others and find a way to make them feel more comfortable to be themselves.

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    2. Kris,
      It was really cool how you opened to the class about yourself on here. That takes alot of courage and i'm not sure if i could do it myself. It's really nice to see others opening themselves up and admitting their weaknesses. In a weird way, it is helping me open myself up too. Being open minded is way harder than I thought it would be.

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    3. Kris,
      I can totally agree with you on the whole being picked on part because your different. Not being accepted for who you are is the worst thing ever!! When I was younger in middle school till the peak of high school I was given a really hard time about being half asian. I admire you for being so open about what happened to you when you yourself moved here from Illinois. How you mention that you want to educate yourself by becoming friends with others with different backgrounds is awesome and ou had very well input. You admitted that you were sexist, racist and stuff and like Monica mentioned in class and I do believe that will open your mind to grow and expand more. Your an awesome classmate to have and you always have great input. Keep it up:)

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  3. Stereotypes, they're out there more than anyone can even begin to imagine and they are there for every single age group. We all grew up around stereotypes and not one of them was a good one because i highly doubt that there is a good stereotype out there othere than what one may think is a good one about another race or gender. Like Kristopher said i believe all of these videos were made for the sole purpose of entertainment for the viewer even though they may be hurtful to some. It all depends on how you take the stereotypes thrown at you. I'm not saying that the stereotypes are right, they are far from right! In my life i have always thought of people with different views because of stereotypes. I know i shouldn't but i do because i grew up around a lot of them due to my dad and grandpa. The past two or three years i have made multiple friends from highly different cultures and races from me. Nobody's perfect and everyone has used a stereotype in their lives more than once. You just need to admit that you have done wrong and accept it and try not to use them or think of people badly because of them anymore.

    To educate myself more about race, gender, sexual orientation, and religion, i could go out and join a cultural diversity club on campus.I could also try to just expand myself and not just think that no one's different but see the differences and accept them because they an teach you so much about other cultures and about yourself.

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    1. Mitch,

      I completely agree with what you said about there being many different stereotypes. People can make them up about virtually any gender, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, you name it. There are so many out there, and I don’t think any of them actually make people feel better about themselves, or glad to be described with a stereotype. You talked about how we learn stereotypes from previous generations, and I think that’s spot on. We learn so much from the way our parents, grandparents, and guardians act, and sometimes we don’t think there’s anything wrong with it because we are so used to it. I think your idea of joining a culturally diverse club would be an excellent way to learn more about the way different cultures are without the use of stereotypes.

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  4. I felt the website did a good job of explaining that while the stereotypes do exist, they don’t, and shouldn’t be applied to an entire population like many people do. For example, one of the stereotypes shown on the website was that white people don’t have rhythm. Some white people may not have rhythm or excellent dance skills, but the same goes for any other nationality. There is always going to be a variety of abilities expressed in every culture. It isn’t fair to say every single person who is one certain nationality is the exact same. It isn’t true, and it can be very offensive. Overall, I feel the website was helpful. It wasn’t saying the stereotypes were true, or endorsing them in any way, but rather it was showing that we shouldn’t always sum up an entire country or ethnicity into one stereotype. Stereotypes can become harmful when they are used to describe people in a negative light. As one of the videos showed, riots can erupt when stereotypes are taken too far, which is dangerous for everyone involved. In order to get past the stereotypes, it is most important to go ahead and actually learn about the different cultures, countries, nationalities, etc. When we take the time to learn what they are about, their values, and what they believe, it makes it easier for us to understand who they really are, not just what the stereotypes tell us. In addition, we learn that people are individuals, and they should be viewed as such, no matter what a stereotype might say.

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    1. Jacqueline,
      I agree with you on how it isn't fair to say every single person who is from one certain nationality is judged as everyone else. I think it's hard to realize how many stereotypes there really are and that peoples feelings can be hurt. When riots erupt because of stereotype's, I agree that it is very dangerous. I agree that if we could all take the time to learn about everyone's customs or why they act a certain way, that it would be easier to understand who they really are.

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  5. I found this website very helpful because it really sheds light on common stereotypes that occur in modern society. I know that I have definately heard of a lot of these stereotypes in either media or just history in general.
    I think that stereotypes can become dangerous from a variety of sources. The media definately plays up the stereotypes of different races/religions/cultures. Like an example that Kris used in class about an episode of Spongebob that compared Squidward to a Jewish man because of his nose. Little kids watch this and who knows they may learn to accept it. This can escalate stereotypes very quickly. Also like shown in the KKK video, stereotypes can become dangerous especially when ideas come into play. Organizations such as the KKK used common stereotypes to try and convince others to believe the same and then they can persuade them to fight for their cause.

    To educate myself more about race, gender, sexual orientation, and religion, I could try to open myself up and become open-minded about other peoples' beliefs. I could join a cultural diversity group on campus or in the community and try and volunteer in different organizations that can help broaden my knowledge of cultures different than mine. Even though we all have been subjected to some sort of stereotypes, we are all responsible for making it not hurtful towards all people. It will not be easy but it could make the world a better place.

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    1. Emily,

      It is sadly true. The media does play a huge role on we think about anything. We see these negative reports about a few people from a certain race, religion, or sexual orientation, and we go with it thinking that everyone from that race, religion or sexual orientation is bad. It is sickening our the media controls our economy, at least in this negative way.

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    2. I totally agree I blame the media people for stereotyping people. They put wrong information about different people from social, ethnic, religious background so that they could entertain and fill out there pocket. I personally don’t blame people even though I am mad about it because if people knew the true other people from different origins they would not stereotype. People are just misinformed that is what I am trying to say.

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  6. This video didn't really do too much for me, besides enlighten me on a couple new stereotypes that I hadn't really put much thought into before. One of them was the Native Americans and their love for gambling. I would never have thought this to be a stereotype that people actually thought. I know that casinos are located on reservations and that most of the time, a tribe is the one who makes money form the casinos as their business, not from them gambling. This website hit it on the head when it said, "Native Americans don't like gambling, they like making money." I believe that stereotypes become dangerous when the majority of a population believes in the stereotype, or when the media gets a hold of it. In today's society, the media is either our best friend, or our worst enemy. This all depends on if you agree with the media's opinions or not. The media is so brutally biased that it is hard for me to even watch/listen to them anymore. When stereotypes get out into the media, that is when they are most dangerous. I think personal experience is the only way we will be able to learn about other people. I know we say this in almost every blog post, but it takes more than just reading/judging a person. To get to know everything about a person (race, gender, sexual orientation, and religion), you must spend time talking to them, for the truth to reveal itself.

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    1. I can see what you mean when you say it did not really help you out that much because you already knew about the majority of them. But I can see why not many people do not really think of the native americans and gambling stereotype. In roseau, this is a major stereotype since there are 3 or 4 casinos all run by tribes within 2-3 hours driving. And sadly to not help out the natives cause for this stereotype, people tend to notice them more than they do the Caucasian people that are there. I really like when you bring up the great facts about how the media spreads the stereotypes to people faster than word of mouth ever could.

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    2. Austin,
      I agree with you on the website, the enlightenment was the most profound part. I mean we all have some stereotypical tendencies towards a certain of people and groups. Unfortunately, this is life and we can only control what are actions are after we have those thoughts.

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  7. I personally think that stereotyping people is wrong and disrespectful even though some people considerate it as entertainment. The reason why I am saying this is because as an international student I have been stereotyped a couple times recently. Although some of the stereotype weren't harmful and disrespectful some of it was but I don’t blame people for it because they don’t know my country and my culture and that in some way it’s up to me to teach them about it.

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    1. Fitsum,
      I really like the way you think about situations like this. It shouldn't always be up to you to start the conversation to teach everyone about your culture. There should be people that want to learn about it, and ask for your instruction. I enjoyed learning about your culture the day we volunteered to fix up that house. We had a great conversation about things that go on here in Minnesota, and how they compared to your culture. So I would say it is a great thing that you are willing to teach people like me about yourself!

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  8. There is no point to stereotypes and definately no need for it. I consider it basically a type of bullying. Calling a certain culture/race a derogatory term is making fun of them and calling them something they do not want to be called. Since I live in Canada I get stereotyped but I dont think it is in a bad way at all! As soon as I walked into international orientation everyone asked where I was from. I told them Canada and guess what the first thing everyone asked me. "Do you play hockey? I laughed and thought it was funny beacuse hockey is Canadas national sport and I actually do play it. But people from Canada that dont play hockey dont find it offensive when they are asked this but they get rather annoyed. Just because we live in Canada the rest of the world assumes we automatically play hockey. Thats just a basic example of stereotypes. Stereoypes become dangerous when people seriously become affected. What I can do to educate myself about these things is go out into the world and lear about other peoples. I will communicate with other people from different cultures and learn all about them.

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    1. Eric,
      I agree with you in such way that you say that some sterotyping really is not offensive yet annyoning. I you notice more sterotypes than the rest of us because you are not frome America. Just like i am sure if i went to Canada, i bet i would pick up on a lot of sterotypical comments towards Americans. I know we all say comments everyday with out knowing it. Like everytime I am around you people make fun of the way you speak. Now towards you i dont think you take it to heart, but some people do and thats why its just better if we dont make these comments at all.

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  9. I felt they video showed how everyday sterotypes are used wether we know it or not. I hear sterotypes used all the time, not ment to be used in a negative mannor, but thats howthey are taken off as. I think a huge sterotype for me that I say even though its not right is, that black people are more athletic. I know its not true but it just seems that way and is a very common sterotype. Like Monica said in class yesterday, you can accept people but you need to be accepting and go to their level and understand. I need to do a better job at that. In my family we are not allowed to say retard due to the fact my grandma, and two aunts are special ed teachers, they find it very affencive. It is not right to lable someone in that way anyways. Everyone needs to start thinking before they speak and that goes for America as a whole. I think adults do it just as much as the younger generations do. People need to start having a little respect, not everyone is perfect.

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    1. Danica,
      I highly agree with what you said about having the stereotype about black people being more athletic. Just because you see more of them on TV watching basketball or football people start stereotyping about people. It's not right and i know i need to stop thinking like that too. I also like what you said about adults stereotyping just as much as the younger generation, i actually think they do it more from my experiences and that's where the younger kids learn it from.

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  10. Stereotypes become dangerous when we use them to treat others negatively. They are used to slander the name of certain type of people. Stereotypes usually develop because we generalize a group of people. This becomes dangerous because we begin to associate everyone in that group in those simple stereotypes. Once we do that it is hard to turn that switch off. People start to associate that stereotype a bit more closely with that group. The main part is to understand that these stereotypes should not be used to generalize a population of people. We should learn about them from a more knowledgeable standpoint instead of using stereotypes. Seeing the person as an individual requires us to be open-minded individuals who are willing to learn about these groups in an unbiased way. We should educate ourselves and not use or rely on stereotypes to base our view on a certain group.

    I think some of these videos (Austin Powers, Seinfeld, Charlie Ballard, etc.) are helpful in the sense that they make a joke out of the stereotypes and usually it was someone from the intended group of the stereotype. Like we learned in class, they are taking back these stereotypes and laughing at them rather than getting upset. Others are a bit more serious and to the point such as the Klu Klux Klan, Hispanics are Illegal Aliens, etc.). I find the bottom section to be helpful because it educates on how the stereotype “developed.” On the other hand, these videos might not be helpful; they might be introducing new stereotypes.

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    1. Paul,
      I agree with your stance on the videos. They are taking them back and laughing at them to show how ridiculous they really are and how it is obvious that not all people in that group are that way. There are exceptions to everything, especially stereotypes. However, as you mentioned, there are people out there that aren’t aware of each of these stereotypes and may take the new knowledge the wrong way. Also, those that aren’t educated may not realize that the videos are there to make fun of the fact that the stereotypes are ridiculous. They might find them to be true and funny in the sense that they are making fun of that certain group of people. What we can do is to make sure that we realize that there are stereotypes out there that are intended to hurt people and understand.

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  11. In todays society, it seems like no one is safe from stereotypical judgement. But when this becomes life threatening, thats when it has gone to far. People have grown up learning something stereotypical without even knowing it was offensive to someone until they mature and learn this topic throughly. People use it for comedic purposes, usually those from that ethnic background, and some people use it to emotional damage others. No matter where you look or what you here, it seems like stereotyping is a structure in society, as sad as that sounds.

    The videos on the other website I watched and noticed a few stereotypical comments. Some like the Austin powers video I really did not notice the problem till I read the caption. Reason for that is as I grow up I barely notice the small stereotypes. Unless it was like emphasized and clearly stated saying, "hey, this ethnicity/Gender/religion/Sexual Orientation is this good/bad at this" or "This ethnicity/Gender/religion/Sexual Orientation has this feature". Now Im more than likely not alone on this, but we all are descendants of some culture or country. Me, as noticeable as it is, is from hispanic ethnicity. Hearing things against Mexicans that there lazy, poor, drug dealers, and so on, I take offense because I know that not all Mexicans are such. All I think is that we should do is notice that EVERYONE, no matter what Race/gender/religion/sexual orientation, are different, smart, or good at things, in there own way.

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    1. Luke,

      I completely agree that no one is safe from stereotypes and that is an unfortunate truth. Is it only dangerous when it is life threatening? Isn’t just emotionally harming someone far enough? Stereotypes can be spread throughout the world largely because of the Internet and social media. We are so used to seeing them that they don’t usually cross our minds twice. I find that when people use it for comedic purposes they are trying to laugh at these stereotypes and shine a different light on them. There are plenty of other ways to “take back” these stereotypes and comedy is just one of them. We all stereotype whether we like it or not and I agree that we need to view everyone equally and keep an open-mind towards them. I think it will take time and practice to avoid these stereotypes when describing a certain group of people. It is one thing to say it and another thing to actually do it.

      My ancestors descended from Germany and it sucks being generalized and stereotyped based on the past of Germany or just general ones.

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  12. I believe that this video was helpful when addressing stereotypes. Especially compared to the one we watched in class on Tuesday. I think these were helpful because it did say that some aspects of these stereotypes were correct but also set the record straight on them. They rebutted the stereotypes and allowed for a new perspective on them. The video from class on Tuesday exploited the stereotypes, it may have been in good manner but it just went along with all the stereotypes while these videos and descriptions put emphasis on how these stereotypes are wrong.
    Stereotypes become dangerous because a group of people or an individual thinks it is okay for them to put down another group. When a stereotype can be harmful in a verbal or physical way is when it has become dangerous. If someone feels like they have to be physical to protect themselves from a stereotype then it has become dangerous. Why a stereotype turns dangerous may be if a group takes a small statistic and turns it upside down and generalizes it to everyone in a specific group.
    Hoe we can educate ourselves about race, gender, sexual orientation and religion to see a person as an individual within these groups is to me open minded. We can be open-minded by asking questions, being open to discussion, doing research about them and find something that can set them all apart, by being able to validate different aspects of these groups. We can educate ourselves by immersing our self in their group and culture so we can understand what can set the individuals in the group apart.

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  13. The video was very helpful in addressing stereotypes. I liked the ones we watched in class on Tuesday as well. The Redneck Woman video was my favorite because it describes me almost perfectly. I think stereotypes are stupid and I wish they didn't exist. They describe a small group of people, and it is only a part of their life. And most of the time, they are used for nothing but hurting people. I don't think I have ever really heard a stereotype being used in a positive way other than when someone is talking about themselves. It is just another way to pick apart someone else's life and that isn't right. To educate myself, I can learn as much as I can about a group being stereotyped against and then I will be able to look past the stereotypes and be able to see through them.

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  14. I thought that this website was helpful because it showed videos of stereo types that helped show viewers just how ridiculous stereotypes are but the website also gave an explanation about the stereo-type and why it isn't true. I think that stereotypes become dangerous when they are used to hurt others in so many ways. I also think that stereotypes can be dangerous from the beginning cause even though you think that it may not offend someone you know if you say something to them that they find offensive. But who knows maybe the person will take what ever you say and run with it. A way that I think that we can all be open to others differences and to educate ourselves with multiple things is to seriously open up to others. I think that getting to know people really helps no matter how different they are than you and joining groups or clubs.. going to different community meetings all these things can help educate one on all these things. We can also take a chance to learn about everything and it will hopefully open the eyes of many.

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  15. I thought this website was very helpful in pointing out many of the main stereotypes that come to mind when people hear the word stereotype. I think it was very helpful because it explains how the stereotypes are not true with facts to back the points up. Some when they are explained you can realize just how out of proportion they are.


    Stereotypes become dangerous when they become offensive to a specific group of people when said on purpose. They also become dangerous when people use the stereotype to try and hurt people or force them to suffer verbal abuse by using them against the person. To educate yourself about all the types of stereotypes using race, gender, sexual orientation, and religion you can watch videos about the people and what they believe and how they really are not always that much different than your own beliefs. Also, you can ask people that are different in these ways from you what makes them different from you if there is any difference at all. But most importantly, you need to see them in their shoes and you need to understand that everyone has equal rights as a human being. The best way to make sure stereotypes do not take place is to get to know the person before judging them.


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  16. This website shared with us why many people use these stereotypes but it had some reasons why people shouldn’t believe them. As it brought up the most well-known stereotypes it also explained what was wrong with them.
    I think stereotypes arise because we see the imperfections and disadvantages of other cultures and make judgments based on those observations. Stereotypes become dangerous when our judgments of the other cultures disadvantages and imperfections turn to hatred toward them.
    In order for me to develop and understanding about race, gender, sexual orientation, and religion, I’ve learned that I must first accept the fact that I am racist, sexist and etc. Everyone is entitled to his/her own opinions and should not be criticized for practicing their rights. After understanding this, I can practice my ability to be open-minded and see that any culture is not inferior or superior to my own; rather it is equal. I think when we get to know someone; it really helps, no matter how different they are than you. We can also open up our minds so much to learn about everything and it will hopefully open the eyes of others.

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  17. I feel like the article, and the videos were helpful in understanding stereotypes more. It made me realize how many stereotypes there actually are and how ridiculous some are. I find it very true that just because maybe a small group of people are known to do something. We then judge the whole society like that. Like how all white people are considered raciest. When maybe just a few white people may be raciest. The entire white community is accused of being raciest. I liked how in the website they explained the facts on the stereotypes and how they weren't true. I would also try and not come to conclusion about a person just based on a stereotype. To educate myself I will try and hear what others have to say and what their lifestyle is like. Maybe even ask them what they think of the stereotype to see if its his way of life or is just a obscurred thing about their culture.

    Stereotypes become dangerous when people are being hurt. I think if a stereotype makes someone feel less human then it is dangerous. If the stereotype gets to the point to where you judge someone based on the stereotype you know, then it is dangerous. I can educate myself on racism, gender, sexual orientation, and religion by being open-minded and considerate of others. I must admit that I am racist or sexist. Once I can admit that I can help to understand others more. I would put myself in their shoes and ask myself how I would like to be treated if I was being stereotyped.

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