Stereotypes explain a commonly held thought about a group of people in general or a specific type of person. Such commonly held stereotypes, regardless of accuracy, include obese people eat too much, all Asians are adept at martial arts, or many homeless are lazy who also have alcohol or drug addictions. Although positive stereotypes do exist, they almost always generate negative associations.
Stereotypes may seem laughable at first, yet they are difficult to ignore. Even worse, they slowly influence people. Over a long period of time, stereotypes become viewed as normal or typical, which then leads to prejudice and unfair treatment. People targeted by stereotypes may be unable to overcome these negative views. Society may also prevent them from succeeding in school or work.
Examples:
· Goths are black clothes, black makeup, depressed, hated by society. A
· Punks are mohawks, spikes, chains, menace to society, always getting in trouble.
Answer the questions after your read the article:
1: What does the article say about positive stereotypes?
2: What sort of problems can happen because of stereotypes?
Discuss. Remember to support your answers.1: What sort of stereotypes have you heard? Please explain.
2: What sort of stereotypes are there in your country? Please explain.
3: Have you ever been the victim of a stereotype? How did it make you feel?
Activity AWrite down the typical characteristics of a 5 different types of nationalities. You may pick which 5 nationalities.
The exercise is, of course, a matter of personal opinion. For example,
• The French are proud ...
• The Irish are talkative ...
• The Italians are loud ...
• The Spanish are passionate ...
• The Dutch ...
• The Germans ...
• The Swiss ...
• The Swedish ...
• The Americans ...
• The Japanese ...
• The Indians are ...
• The Swiss ...
Activity B
Reveal your choices and your stereotypes.
Debate the correctness or truth of the choices.
Activity CBelow you will find a list of the stereotypical characteristics of the "typical Englishman" and from an individual from the Basque country. Write your corresponding stereotypes under the heading "You". Then we will compare.
English Basque You
Works: In a bank Factory
Lives: In a house In a flat
Hobby: Gardening Watch TV, hill-walking
Carries: An umbrella -
Drinks: Tea Coffee
Eats: Plain, Elaborate Simple food
Newspaper: The Times -
Favourite part of paper: Crossword Sport section
Wears: Dark suit/clothes Colourful
and a bowler hat
Talks about: The weather Family, friends, weather ...
Loves: The Royal Family -