Word Stereotype example essay topic

Hidden Burden In our society we are brainwashed every day and have been since we have exited the womb. What we don't realize is that we need to train our mind on our own to rise above all the systematically programmed propaganda. Unfortunately, due to this brain washing we are born into, we come packaged and wrapped with the lovely word stereotype; prejudice embedded deep in our mind without knowledge of it until it is confronted and exposed by pure ignorance! Now when you go to a dictionary the first definition most likely to be seen for stereotype is one like so: ' -n. 1. a process, now often replaced by more advanced methods, for making metal printing plates by taking a mold of composed type or the like in papier-m^ach'e or other material and then taking from this mold a cast in type metal. 2. a plate made by this process. 3. a set form; convention' (Webster's, 797). Further down from that definition should be something like: '-vs. t. 1. to make a stereotype of. 2. to characterize or regard as a stereotype' (Webster's, 797).

Although this definition is in a dictionary, the true meaning is far beyond that mild perception. The history of the word itself is a quite interesting one. In English, 'stereo' is taken from the Greek 'stere' or 'stereo' - and which meant solid or solid body. Originally it was used to describe metal printing. 'The conversion from printing to human psychology may have been commenced by early Russian neuro physiologists during the Pavlov period when stimulus-response motor mechanisms were being researched in animals and humans. In that sense, 'dynamic stereotype' came to refer to the end-result of cortical analysis and synthesis of all stimuli arising from both the external and the internal world if the same response always occurred relative to the same stimulus' (Swann).

Stereotype evolved into something all of us recognize, not as a type of printing, but as the negative word and feeling it is today. In society stereotyping is around us constantly. Women's issues, homosexual issues, minority issues, everyday someone is confronted with a stereotype. For example, my friend Omar who is African American has been pulled over and harassed by the police for absolutely nothing.

I was there and they didn't even ask me one question. They completely ignored me until I asked them what Omar did wrong. They just replied with 'Mind your own business kid!' I never knew what is was to be like in Omar's shoes that day and I never will. All I know is that I don't want that ever to happen to anyone. It was scary and made me realize what the word stereotype meant. In the story Of Cho los and Surfers by Jack Lopez it is discussed how stereotype and misperception's of a person can cause problems in ones' life.

For example how Jack Lopez tells of the fights he got into when he was a kid because of how he dressed or how he didn't dress. He was tested, his race and belonging was tested in the Mexican neighborhood and culture because he liked surfing, a sport that has come to symbolize white culture. For this stereotype and what everyone else had wanted him to be or thought he should be, Jack suffered. For a simple stereotype pain was inflicted on a human being that just wanted to follow his heart. There are situations in the world just like this one where people are noticed because they are different and they too feel the pain of a stereotype. Try putting yourself in a powerful, painful, stereotype.

For example think of what it would be like if you were homeless. You could " ve just been laid off and your house burned down, and POOF, you " re on the streets. You never know what could happen. You can go from having a job and a house to having nothing in a blink of an eye. Imagine being homeless. Even though you had a job yesterday, people would simply walk by you now and you would be considered a 'bum'.

Even though they don't know your situation they have already passed a judgment and stereotyped you before you could say one word. People would automatically think you " re a 'druggy' or an alcoholic. These stereotypes have been embedded in peoples heads and these people will always presume the worst of things. Stereotyping is not caring about what you know or what you don't know. Stereotyping is a prejudice act used when scared to confront a person. It's a lame excuse plastered in ignorance.

Stereotype isn't a way to judge someone. It's not even a cautious way of looking at something. It's a scared and shameful way of looking at things. Stereotype is a negative word and it unleashes negatives feelings. Stereotype is a word of hurt. Stereotypes history and the way it evolved to such an ugly, fierce word is a shame.

Through the media and through our surroundings we become brainwashed in this world of deceit. Simple, small stereotypes to one person can be huge insults to another. In a world of hate and crime, why do we need to judge everyone with the word stereotype? Stereotyping is another way of showing how weak, narrow-minded, and shallow someone can be.

It's a false accusation against another person or thing that ignorance prevents one from knowing more about. It's a scared way to look at any one thing. Stereotype is a big negative on us and in us, not only in society, but in the human race as well. Stereotype is a hidden burden to us all! shitty works cited cause most of this paper was my opinion...

1.) Webster's Dictionary. Dell publishing, 19942.) Swann, Ingo. web.