The stereotype as a stable idea of something hurts the building of a judgment rather than helps it. The phrase "he thinks in stereotypes" has a negative connotation: this is what they say about a person who uses ready-made templates and does not look at the depth of the phenomenon. Nevertheless, they have a place in our life and are sometimes very useful.
Instructions
Step 1
The concept of "stereotype", formed from the Greek words στερεός - solid and τύπος - imprint, came into the socio-psychological lexicon from publishing. This was the name of the printed forms used for multiple reproduction of text. Other polygraphic concepts - cliché, stamp, are also close in meaning. A stereotype is a stable idea of the traits characteristic of certain social groups, which is transferred to all of its representatives.
Step 2
Almost always, the stereotype is emotionally colored, and more often negatively. Representations of national character traits are examples of stereotyped statements. It is generally accepted that all Russians are drunkards, Americans are narrow-minded, and French are stingy.
Step 3
One of the first researchers of such a concept as a stereotype, Walter Lippmann, identified four main features of a stereotype. This is a judgment that comes to us from the outside (formed by parents, society, the media), without being tested and comprehended. He always has a connection with reality, but speaks about it, greatly simplifying. The stereotype is erroneous due to the fact that the property of the group (in itself rather dubious) is transferred to each of its members. Finally, the cliché is tenacious: a person with a stereotypical mindset will consider a teetotaler-Russian or intellectual from America an exception, but will not change the general opinion.
Step 4
Often, stereotypes are partly or completely false judgments. At the same time, they help to save mental energy, since, in principle, a person cannot afford to give every phenomenon on his way an original and creative understanding. In addition, within the framework of a single social group, stereotypes make it possible to find a common language.
Step 5
Stereotypical thinking is a problem only when it interferes with an adequate perception of the situation. Containing in itself a bundle of "emotional coloring + negativity", the cliché often becomes a propaganda tool that forms fear in relation to a particular ethnic or social group. Therefore, it would be good if each person found the strength not to succumb to imposed stereotypes, but to think about where his idea of various phenomena comes from.
