The word stereotype originally referred to a method used by printers to produce duplicate pages of text. This usage still rings true. When we stereotype, we gloss over individual differences and assume that every member of a group is a "duplicate." These assumptions are learned, and they can be changed." (Ellis, 2015).
Our text further states, "A stereotype is an assumption that all members of a group are the same. Stereotypes ignore the differences among people." (Ellis, 2015).
To discover how stereotypes can enter your mind, take a moment to do a short thinking experiment. List the first words that come to mind when you see or hear the following terms. Write quickly and do not stop to think about your responses.
Musician
Eskimo
Homeless people
Mathematicians
Football players
Computer programmers
Let's reflect and discuss:
Reflect on your responses. Do you see any evidence of stereotypes? Explain and discuss your results.
Based on your results of this exercise how can we use critical thinking to help embrace diversity and overcome stereotyping?
How might these concepts be applied here in class or to the workplace?
References
Ellis, D. (2015). Becoming a master student (15th ed). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.