Stereotyping the stereotypes

A stereotype is a phrase relating to all the members of class or set. The term is often used with a negative connotation when referring to an oversimplified, exaggerated, or demeaning assumption that a particular individual possesses the characteristics associated with the class due to his or her membership in it. Stereotypes can be used to deny individuals respect or legitimacy based on their membership in that group.

There is a general trend to blame the people that are stereotyping others without trying to understand the history of that stereotype. Profiling a person by its culture can be good or bad, depending on the information that one has until that moment based on his/her background. For e.g. French people are elegant, but Germans are very strict. Touched a sensitive spot already?

After a discussion with some co-workers about the history of associating grapes/grape juice with black people [ I wasn't understanding the meaning of the stereotype that was depicted in a quite poor movie ], I realized that people prefer not to discuss them and significantly lower their voices while explaining the stereotype. Why? Maybe they don’t want to be associated with that stereotype and getting to the root of the explanation could prove that they share the same belief.

At the same time, I discovered that not everybody takes stereotypes seriously and that they could be a source for humour.  Uncyclopedia is an example of a website that makes fun of many stereotypes. Relax and have a look!