"Stereotyping is the use of different descriptions to classify an individual, group or a society. It has both political and emotional significance. It can be used to justify any action or act, but is usually done unconsciously. Stereotyping can be used as a device for achieving specific goals such as attaining a certain gender or race, class, status, age, or other discrimination. Stereotyping is an important part of our lives, but we need to recognize its negative impact when we are making decisions."
Are you dealing with stereotypes in your decision making? "White working-class males have a higher rate of suicide than other national groups." Is that stereotype true? No, it isn't true. Statistics show that the male suicide rate for white males is two percent higher than that for white females; therefore it is not true.
"Women are more nurturing and take care of themselves." stereotyping has created a false impression that being a mother makes women more nurturing and caring. However, studies have shown that biological mothers who have suffered physical or emotional abuse show lower levels of nurturing and care compared to nonabused mothers. Are you dealing with stereotypes in your decision making? How do you deal with them?
"Stereotypes about disabled people are widespread. According to a survey, almost half of American adults believe that disabled individuals are dependent, lazy and have low achievers' IQ." Are you dealing with stereotypes in your decision making? How do you deal with them?
"Americans living in the Midwest have strong cultural beliefs regarding disability. Most white working-class males living in this region are the most likely to have disabilities." Are you dealing with stereotypes in your decision making? How do you deal with them? How do you deal with the fact that stereotypes are not true?
These stereotypes are affecting your life. You are being affected by them even if you did not intend it. How would you like to be able to say that you are not affected by stereotypes? "I am not affected by stereotypes; I am working-class and not a minority." How would you feel if you could say that about yourself and the white working-class males?
If stereotypes affect you, then they also affect the people around you. How would you like to work in an office where there are no minorities, or in a factory where all the workers were white working-class males? And, are you dealing with stereotypes in your decision making? The truth is that stereotypes affect everyone who lives in a society.
If you are dealing with stereotypes in your decision making, it is time for you to speak up. You can start by asking other working-class males who are your friends what they think about stereotypes. Then tell them the stereotypes that you are referring to. If they do not know anyone, you can go up to other men working in similar jobs and start asking them questions about stereotypes. The more information you have, the more you will be able to educate others and help change the way people see stereotypes.
Stereotypes have been used throughout our lives; in movies, television, music, etc. It is important that we learn to see the good in everything, including the bad. Unfortunately, with some of the working-class males, they tend to look down on those who do not fit their social and working class status. By becoming educated about stereotypes and what they really mean, you can change the way that people look at those who are not as fortunate as you.
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