Stereotypical Affect

Stereotypes!   What are they?   Who uses them?   Why do people use them?   Do stereotypes have any place in America?   These questions all come to mind when you think about stereotypes.   Do you have any set views and opinions about one group of people?   Why?   Do you feel that other people stereotype you?   Look at the definition of stereotypes. A stereotype is a simplified and/or standardized conception or image with specific meaning, often held in common by one group of people about another group. A stereotype can be a conventional and oversimplified conception, opinion, or image, based on the assumption that there are attributes that members of the other group hold in common.   They are typically generalizations based on minimal or limited knowledge about a group to which the person doing the stereotyping does not belong. Persons may be grouped based on racial group, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any number of other categories. (en.wikipedia.org)   People, whether they admit it or not, use stereotypes to form opinions about a race, gender, or even sexual preference.   Stereotypes often shape our attitudes and behaviors toward people in society.   Ever seen an African American man walking down the street and a Caucasian woman walking towards the African American man and as they are about to pass one another, the Caucasian woman grips her purse or bag tight to her body to protect her possessions as if the African American man was going to rob her of her belongs.   This is just one of the many, many examples of stereotypes that do exist here in America.   Actually it is one of the most common day to day stereotypes that are depicted by behavior among society today.   Other stereotypes of African Americans are: they all eat fried chicken and watermelon; all African American males can play basketball or sports in general; they all can fight or dance; or all can not speak with correct grammar.   African Americans are not the only group of people that are stereotyped....