Exposure to Stereotypes Essay Example for Free

Exposure to Stereotypes Essay â€Å"Stereotypes are stubborn beliefs, overgeneralizations, myths, and distorted information about groups of people that shape people thinking and form the basis of prejudice. Stereotypes are projected through the media, become part of the collective consciousness, and are used to justify discrimination (York, 2006). † The media plays a huge influence on stereotypes, whether it is pertaining to race, gender, culture, or even socioeconomic status it is still influencing the views of those who are exposed. As I researched for this paper I realized that I have been so overexposed to these stereotypes that I may have never recognized them without it being pointed out. This paper will discuss the influence that the media has on stereotypes, and strategies that could be used to counteract these influences. Children between the ages of 2 and 5 spend an average of about 32 hours a week in front of the television watching movies and television, and children between the ages of 6 and 11 spend about 28 hours a week in front of the television (No Author, 2010). With that being said, I think that our biggest influence on children is television and movies. Although children’s television shows seem to be making a more conscious effort when it comes to equality among race, there are still subtle influences that many parents may not recognize are being taught to their children. I think that the biggest stereotypical area I have seen on television have to do with gender. Even 30 second commercials can make a lasting impression on children. When thinking of commercial about teddy bears and toy cars it is easy for most people to determine which commercial girls would play in and which commercial boys would play in. As children grow and remember what is presented to them they begin to believe that girls and boys are different and that they deserve different things. Learned stereotypes extend into the school setting, and, if not recognized and handled early on, can also extend into adult life and the work atmosphere. Teachers often see stereotypical events play out in their classroom daily. Children may not want to play with their peers because they are a boy, or because they speak differently, or because they look different. This can have a huge impact in the classroom on social skills including self-esteem, problem solving skills. At this young age students are learning which of their peers are the bullies and which are the bullied. They are learning which students have power, and which students are powerless. In a study on gender stereotypes within the classroom there is evidence that stereotypical influences are not just found on the television screen, they are also found in the classroom in textbooks, and even sometimes presented by teachers. In this study a woman named Erinosho analyzed 76 science textbooks. In the pictures found in the textbooks 75. 6% showed males, and 24. 4% showed females. Erinosho observed that females were often presented as hairdressers or secretaries, while males were often presented in professions like doctors or engineers (). Exposing children to these subtle stereotypical pictures only make it more difficult to overcome issues with stereotypes in the school setting. There are a few great strategies that teachers can use inside of the classroom in attempt to counteract the stereotypes that children are regularly exposed to throughout their daily lives. Teachers can make subtle moves such as adding culturally diverse materials to the classroom, ensuring that housekeeping areas are appealing to both males and females, and adding dolls to the classroom that present our differences. Teachers can also put up pictures in the classroom of different cultures, races, and genders working together equally to achieve a common goal. In my opinion the best way to counteract stereotypes is to take the bold move and openly talk about our differences and similarities as a class. Students should have the chance to discuss their cultures and beliefs openly amongst their peers. As educators we can oversee the discussion and ensure that the children are learning from each other and not taking the opportunity to put each other down. As children learn they are different they will quickly learn that they are also very similar in more ways than one. It also may be beneficial to involve parents. Having educators, students and parents working together to accomplish is usually very helpful to any situation. No matter what precautions we take children are going to be exposed to stereotypes regularly. Parents and teachers can work together so that children are also exposed to the idea that through our differences all people are people and deserve to be treated and thought of as the same.