Stereotyping Response Essay

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Stereotyping Response Essay

The basic definition of stereotyping covers the act of discriminating against an individual or a group of individuals based on preconceived notions that may not necessarily be accurate. Stereotypes are influential elements of the psychology of man since they are generalized ideas that govern the behavior of the group or individual in question. A major advantage of stereotyping is that creates a precedence that can allow people to act appropriately in different social situations. However, it also has the disadvantage of making people ignorant of the unique aspects that make human beings different from each other. At a personal level, stereotyping represents the learned behavior of human beings that is created by repetitive habits displayed by specific cohorts of the population. Therefore, stereotyping can be considered a manifestation of reinforced behaviors observed over time within the society.

There are certain instances when stereotyping is necessary while there are other situations where it has played a major role. Within the workplace context, stereotypes are typically discouraged mainly because they cultivate negative perceptions that can easily transform into prejudice. This is because it fosters ideas of favoritism and inadequacy among the employees. For instance, stereotypes about the work ethic of the Hispanic people are bound to create animosity and a breakdown in cohesion that negatively affects the organizational performance. Conversely, positive stereotyping is a different way of perceiving stereotypes as useful aspects that can guide individuals and transform their attitudes and conduct toward diverse people, ethnic groups, and cultures. Stereotypes furnish human beings with a conscious understanding of the uniqueness and the necessity of comprehending that diverse traditions and values occur in spite of people’s assumption that everything is common. In this manner, human beings ultimately discover the benefits of being expectant in social associations and communication and actively seek to affirm their beliefs concerning others.