The Psychology of Stereotype

 Stereotypical Mindset of People

What does the word stereotype mean? What is the saying about the stereotypical mentality? And in what way does it affect people's lives?

The fundamental definition of a stereotype is to believe in a cliché or to have a fixed idea of a person or something that may not be truly correct. Today, we live in a society that casts such typical clichés upon people of every age. 

A stereotyped state of mind discriminates, judges, prejudices and biases people on their color, body, religion and gender.

However, the modern psychology of stereotypes carries an entirely different history. Research indicates that everyone categorizes people automatically, unconsciously, immediately, based on a person's race and appearance. Even though most adults claim they don't have these biases, psychologists who study stereotypes say they do. 

“The prejudices in our heads are only harmful if we act on them,” the will to change the stereotypical mindset is what we need to do to make our society better. Because the consequences of bias are horrendous, it affects our performance. Everyone else's doubts become our doubts.

The stereotyped threat numbs people in a manner that prevent them from doing what they want to do. The voices of many become unknown and so many people around do not speak for themselves lest negative comments will pass. 

The only way to eliminate stereotypes is to become aware of them, control them and accept them, keeping in mind that everyone has the right to be whatever they want. All colors, religions or indifferent subjects must be respected. 

As the psychologist said, "If we're just aware that it exists, it gives us a chance to do something, to be vigilant to not let our unintended biases -- our implicit biases -- take over our behavior, which can happen unintentionally,".

(Comment below on how you view stereotypes.)