Representation and Stereotypes

Representation and Stereotypes

In simple terms, a stereotype is the application of one (usually negative) characteristic to a whole group. Teenagers, for example, the stereotypical representation is of moody, hormonal, rebellious, awkward, insecure and sex obsessed. 

 

The stereotype is an easy concept to understand, but there are some points you need to consider when looking at media representations with regard to stereotyping. 

For a stereotype to ‘work’ it needs to be recognisable to the audience and when so recognised, then judgements are made about the subject. If the stereotype is negative, then the judgements will also tend to be the same. 

They can be positive stereotypes - positive representations of Disabled people were omnipresent during the Olympics

They can be re-enforced or they can be challenged - ie Christian & Sayid's relationship challenges the camp effeminate stereotype of Homosexuals as well as the Asian stereotype of behaving within their religious beliefs

The predictable thing about stereotypes is that they are predictable! They create a sense of order and also provide a sense of identity (even if it is a negative one!)  

Stereotypical judgements and stereotypical media representations can (and often do) lead to different treatments of groups by other groups, (sadly, often quite discriminatory). 

But you need to remember some points: 

• stereotypes are not always negative. (e.g. nurses are compassionate and caring)

• they are not always applied to lower classes of society

• they can be held about a group you belong to

• they change according to time and fashion

• they are not always untrue

Media representation can do one or more of three things: 

• it can reinforce stereotypes
• it can challenge them
• it can inform them