What are ‘stereotypes’ and what makes them so hard to shake off?

When we make assumptions based on limited information (and often inaccurate information at that) we are opening doors to injustice and that risk of misjudging people – often before we have exchange a single word.

In some ways stereotyping is about being lazy: it’s an easy-option that draws on prejudices and half-truths rather than forcing us to really open up to an authentic meeting.

It’s easy to think of other stereotypes based on a person’s age, ethnicity, genders, spirituality or body shape. But it’s not always so easy to push past the stereotypes, or challenge other people’s stereotypes. That takes a willingness to engage with an open mind and heart and to look beyond the surface.

The comfort zone

Sometimes stereotypes are so easy and comfortable to hold onto, that we may not even notice them entering our thoughts. Some stereotypes can be really hard to recognize, creeping up on use from the shadows of our past, or from what others have said, even though ‘received wisdom’ is of course not ‘wisdom’ at all.
One technique to check if we are using (or abusing) stereotypes is to take time out for a closer look when you next find yourself having negative feelings towards a person or group. What’s motivating those thoughts? Where are they coming from? If you are honest with yourself you may find that you are responding to that person or people based on a stereotype already established in your mind.

Creating stereotypes

We are all familiar with the way media use advertising to promote products and to present images of the ideal lifestyles to which we are supposed to aspire.
Being stereotyped by others can be difficult and a painful experience with potentially life-long negative impacts. They shape the ‘ideal’ for the real world where few of us actually look like the people in the advertising, or have the income to adopt their lifestyle.

The media and advertising companies have created a stereotypical image of what young women should look like in order for those girls to ‘fit the picture’. There is also a stereotype of the kiwi male as someone who plays rugby, is staunch m masculine and drinks heaps. Even though many people do not fit these dictated images it can affect the way people are accepted by their peers and may lead to people felling marginalized and isolated.

No man or women is an island

Everyone wants to feel that they ‘belong’ – so finding a group to share stuff with is part of growing up. But we shouldn’t forget we are already part of a larger group: the human race that is defined by both diversity and community.

Facing the Challenge

We need to be alert to the creeping, effortless nature of stereotyping and to understand why it’s so counterproductive to authentic life-experiences and to genuinely meeting the need for youth development. We need to value each other individually and collectively, not only for our future potential but for incredible abilities and the contributions we can make right now.

The central role given to young people at the organizations like Youthline reflect the reality that our greatest power is as participants and leaders. It’s by breaking through the old stereotypes and by drawing on our creativity, passion and diversity that we can shape a future worth sharing.

 

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