Stereotypes everywhere

We defined stereotypes as a  fixed general image or set of characteristics that a lot of people believe represent a particular nation / ethnic group, and we agreed that we have to avoid using them, but how?, we are surrounded by the use of them. In almost every commercial on TV, Magazines, etc,  you can see generalizations.

Ever since we talked about stereotypes in classes, i see them everywhere. The amount of stereotypes on the media is overwhelming. Media helps reinforce gender stereotypes, where men have a role and women have another. Everytime we see a commercial about house products, we see women cleaning, happy about finding the best product to keep their house perfect. Why can’t we see men doing the same? I bet another stereotype would appear, “men that take women’s role are homosexuals”.

While studyin stereotypes i found a very interesting video about how media and stereotypes work together to reinforce gender stereotypes, and how it hasn't changed through the years.

But Media&Stereotypes are not only gender or beauty related, they cover all aspects. We can find comedy tv shows such as The Big Bang Theory were you can find stereotypes like the nerds, the dumb blond and the indian guy, movies about black people being gangsters, muslims being terrorist, etc. These images sometimes feed hate and create big differences between people, it can even lead to bullying.

We have to avoid using them, not only because sometimes they're not accurate, but also because you might hurt someone by using them against them in a negative way.

What if one day you meet someone that is different than you and you push him away because of stereotypes and prejudice?, what if you miss the chance of knowing a great person?