Tessa Perkinss Stereotype Theories

Stereotypes are not always negative There are many examples of stereotypes that arent always negative, however some of them carry what may be seen as negative points from some peoples points of views. For example, moss from the I.T Crowd is a standard stereotype for a geek. We know this from his clothing, use of language and body language. The show also plays on the fact that geeks are outstandingly good at computers and maths; this would be seen as a good thing. However it also plays on the fact that the geek stereotype is not a very social person, as we also see through his character. Another example is the stereotype that the French carry. Many believe them to be very good cooks, but many also see them as slightly snobby.

They are not always about minority groups or the less powerful This is also true. Shows such as downton abbey show this. The show gives us the impression that all the upper class and therefor the more powerful people in the society are slightly too snobby and hate the lower class and treat them as scum or waiters to take care of there every desire. However as most shows do, they seem to have one person who also fights this stereotype, however in this programme it doesnt make her better than the others, but makes her more of an outsider. They can be held about one's own group This I believe to be true. The main stereotype about teens is that they are all thugs or chavs. Although there are many of us that fight this very well indeed, there is defiantly a large minority of people who make this stereotype worse for the rest of us. So although I believe I and a huge amount of teens do not fall into this category I believe that many teens do ruin our reputation for us. They are not rigid or unchanging Using the teen stereotype again, this has defiantly changed a lot over the years. Firstly the type of clothes that people expect these days has drastically changed as fashion did as well. The music they expect them to listen to has changed as music and technology has advanced and with all of that people expect a different attitude influenced by their surroundings and interests.

They are not always false I believe this to be also true; there are many stereotypes that to some can be seen to be true. Again, many believe that teenagers are all chavs or thugs. I believe that this stereotype is becoming more and more true as time goes on. I also believe that the upper class of Britain still believe that they are better people than the rest of us. Although they may not have power over all of us anymore I still believe that they think they have more intelligence and a better life because of there money.