In chapter 5 the authors bring up the idea of stereotypes. In my major of sociology we focus a whole class to stereotypes and different ideas of cultures and ethnicity's. The way stereotypes are passed down or how they are set into our mind is through speech. Usually from a relative who share those thoughts about a different person or persons on their appearance. This does not have to be with direct speech to a young child or person, but with reactions about a certain person or if the older person is talking to their friends and the little person is within ear distance. We keep up these thoughts with a type maintenance. Stereotype maintenance is continued through the process of communication with the mouth and the body.
Although this chapter talks about the positive side of stereotypes with the example of looking for a police officer or a taxi (all who usually have certain signs "characteristics" that are universal). That is a stereotype that help us throughout our normal lives. We as people automatically place others into groups (in-group or out-group) from the start. We find ways to separate ourselves from others we do not care for or do not like.
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Hi,
I really agree with you about how people automatically place others into groups, and how this stereotyping is learned from relatives who have a different thought about others.
I remember growing up in Denmark where Middle Eastern people were mostly in criminal situations. Or, that was how the media emphasized. Every time there was a crime or something bad that has anything related with a Middle Eastern, then it became a big topic. Even my dad became protective. Therefore, I grew up with the thought that they were “bad people,” and I was always scared to be surrounded by them. Until in High School, my view changed. I attended a class with a boy named Raaj. He was so nice. And, he was exactly the opposite of what I thought, and what the media has emphasized. It turned out that he and I became the closest friend during that year.
I have learned that even though a group does it, doesn’t mean that everyone of them does it. However, we just can’t help to place others into groups.
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