Stereotypes and Prejudice

Stereotypes and Prejudice

According to Zimbardo, Johnson, & McCann (2009), stereotyped images are tools used to portray particular groups of people in various types of multi-media that strengthen the norms of prejudice. This statement presented by Zimbardo, Johnson, & McCann, was made evident in a sitcom I recently viewed of the CBS network. The subject of the stereotype was a Japanese - American female pediatric doctor named Dr. Mirko. At this particular point in the story, Dr. Mirko befriended same sex couple Michael and Cameron who had adopted a Russian toddler; was invited over to their home. Michael and Cameron become concerned and self-conscious when their adopted daughter Lilith's first words are "momma" instead of "daddy." Later, in this video clip, as Michael and Cameron was escorting Dr. Mirko to her car, she explains that her mother who was native to Japan was very traditional, pressuring her to marry and have children and would only be content with that stereotype. However, Dr. Mirko was fortunate to have a very supportive father who would acknowledge and support the decisions she made in her life. She reassures Michael and Cameron that Lilith is just as fortunate to have two fathers who love her as much as they do. She then proceeds to screech the car tires in reverse, destroying a recycling bin and claiming "she didn't see that", followed by putting the car in drive and sideswiping a car, as she peels out and away. This clip, though comedic reinforces the stereotype about bad Asian American female drivers. This type of prejudicial thinking would instill caution in the minds of non-Asian drivers, when an Asian driver is within close proximity of their vehicle.

Recently, a widely publicized story of stereotyping ended in the death of a young African - American named Trayvon Martin. The demise of this young man was due in part to the media depicting hoodie-wearing kids as suspicious and hostile. It was because to this type of media portrayal, that a simple observation led a Mr. Zimmerman to follow Trayvon in his car, get out, confront Trayvon and eventually shoot him fatally.

At the other end of the age spectrum, ageism is a social disease nourished by media stereotypes. Senior citizens are for the most part depicted as sweet and vulnerable. News stories that feature seniors as victims of crime are a natural extension of this narrative. It is because of this stereotypical portrayal of the elderly that violent crimes perpetrated upon them have been on the up rise, according to Financial Crimes Against the Elderly (2012). Other stereotypes of extensive aging include vague notions about declining health, contentment, and attractiveness. As a result of these stereotypes, seniors are becoming more invisible to society.

Stereotypes matter. We are all responsible in challenging them where, when