Exposure to Stereotypes Essay Example for Free

Exposure to Stereotypes EssayStereotypes ar contumacious beliefs, overgeneralizations, myths, and distorted information ab pop groups of stack that shape people thinking and form the basis of prejudice. Stereotypes be projected through the media, become part of the collective consciousness, and be employ 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 pass water been so overexposed to these stereotypes that I may leave 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 hebdomad in front of the idiot box watching movies and televisio n, 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 childrens television shows seem to be making a more conscious enterprise when it comes to equality among race, there are still subtle influences that m any(prenominal) 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 technicals end 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, so-and-so 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 direct 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 at heart 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. in that location are a few great strategies that teachers can use inside of the classroom in travail to counteract the stereotypes that children are regularly exposed to throughout their daily lives. Teachers can make subtle assumes 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 unneurotic equally to reach out a common goal. In my opinion the best way to counteract stereotypes is to take the bold move and openly t alk 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 pickings 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.