The word "stereotype" comes from the Greek language. In it, it denoted the seal used in printing. And the ancient, already lost meaning perfectly describes the essence of this concept! In fact, stereotypes are seals, only they leave a trace not on paper, but in human thinking, perception of reality. These cliches of consciousness drive people into the framework of rules and established opinions that have long been invented by someone. But are they always true? Thinking freely, independently means overcoming stereotypes.
Instructions
Step 1
Learn to distinguish between useful and outdated or superfluous. Do not take up arms against any established rule in society. This is necessary in order, as in the proverb, "not to throw out the child with the water." Stereotypes are not always so scary, they simply arose from the desire of mankind to generalize its experience, to invent general rules of behavior. For example, giving gifts to loved ones is also a stereotype, but very pleasant. "Wash your hands before eating" - no objection. “The elderly must be respected” is a very wise “cliché”. But the fact that "all men are unfaithful to their wives" is only a hasty conclusion of the deceived spouses.
Step 2
Always try to look at a situation from several points of view. It is very easy to stigmatize a fifteen-year-old girl with a stroller as a "libertine". It is easy, having seen a fat person, to make a confident conclusion that his best friend is a refrigerator. But don't judge by first impression. The girl may have survived the rape, but decided to keep the child. And you don't have to overeat to gain weight. A serious illness may be to blame for this.
Step 3
Be kind to people, and then it will become much easier to get rid of stereotypes of thinking. If you see a person lying on a bench, it is better to go up and ask if everything is in order than to decide that he is a drunkard and walk by. If the subject and the truth turns out to be drunk, do not be discouraged: someday your help will definitely be needed.
Step 4
Learn to evaluate a person by himself, and not as a representative of some social group. "If a person is young, he is full of energy and ambition, but not very reliable and often makes mistakes." There are many such cliches of thinking, and they spoil the life of those who had the misfortune not to "fit" into an opinion already drawn up about it. All Ukrainians love lard, but all Americans do not shine with intelligence? Then do not be surprised if abroad, upon learning that you are from Russia, they will ask you where your tame bear is.
Step 5
Get creative. And you don't have to buy paints for this. Creativity is based on the creation of something new, and this is an inveterate enemy of any stereotype. Every day we automatically perform dozens of stamps. Consider the meaning of each of them. Is everything you do necessary, or has it become an unnecessary, burdensome tradition long ago? Learn to solve everyday problems in new ways, avoid common schemes, get rid of the already dead, unnecessary.
Step 6
Be yourself. Do things that are interesting to you, even if it is "not supposed" for you by status, age, gender. Since childhood, have you been taught that the main thing in life is "family-children-stability"? Yes, perhaps this is your element. But what if the soul requires something completely different? Someone is called by a passion for travel to distant countries. And someone wants to open a sewing workshop for dogs. Don't let stereotypes replace your own dreams.
