There are so many people in this world that it would be impossible to speak for everyone. One thing that most seem to agree on is that stereotyping does more harm than good. Yet there is still some debate as to whether there are exceptions. The Oxford English Dictionary defines a stereotype as, ''A preconceived and oversimplified idea of the characteristics which typify a person, situation, etc.; an attitude based on such a preconception. Also, a person who appears to conform closely to the idea of a type.'' (''stereotypes''). Some would argue that stereotyping is a natural process that has its uses. While it is a nice concept, the sentiment does not amount to much. Stereotypes still cause real harm because they reinforce unhealthy standards,
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As a group, women are some of the most heavily affected by stereotypes. One persistent myth is that women are academically inferior to men. This stigma can significantly affect the way that women lead their lives. Banaji and Greenwald, psychologists who have studied the unconscious decisions that people make, echoed this sentiment by stating that, "women who internalize gender stereotypes are at risk of underperforming in math and science'' (Banaji and Greenwald 623). This can cause young girls to never strive for their dreams for fear of failing. This is just one example of how stereotypes can damage one's self-esteem. Another would be the blatantly sexist way that women are portrayed in the media. This discrepancy is even more obvious in politics, where there is little effort made to treat women as equals. For example, Suzanne O'Dea, a veteran politician and the first female head of the RNC, offered some insight to how women in public view are portrayed, saying that, ''Women's physical appearance and attire have attracted undue attention, with descriptions of a woman's height, weight, and hairstyle appearing regularly''(O'Dea). There is a clear double-standard in the way that women are subjected to such
As a group, women are some of the most heavily affected by stereotypes. One persistent myth is that women are academically inferior to men. This stigma can significantly affect the way that women lead their lives. Banaji and Greenwald, psychologists who have studied the unconscious decisions that people make, echoed this sentiment by stating that, "women who internalize gender stereotypes are at risk of underperforming in math and science'' (Banaji and Greenwald 623). This can cause young girls to never strive for their dreams for fear of failing. This is just one example of how stereotypes can damage one's self-esteem. Another would be the blatantly sexist way that women are portrayed in the media. This discrepancy is even more obvious in politics, where there is little effort made to treat women as equals. For example, Suzanne O'Dea, a veteran politician and the first female head of the RNC, offered some insight to how women in public view are portrayed, saying that, ''Women's physical appearance and attire have attracted undue attention, with descriptions of a woman's height, weight, and hairstyle appearing regularly''(O'Dea). There is a clear double-standard in the way that women are subjected to such