Use of Stereotypes
Stereotypes are a commonly held
public belief about specific social
groups or types of individuals. This
can be done through the simplified
representation of character,
appearances and beliefs.
‘Broken Britain’ Stereotypes in the
Headlines
Youth Stereotypes
- Catherine Tate – ‘Am I
bovered’
- Harry Enfield - Kevin turns
into a Teenager’
Youth Stereotyping in the Headlines
Stereotypes in the Headlines
1. What do these characters and images tell us
about teenagers?
2. How do you feel about these stereotypes and
the way in which they are used?
3. What effect do you think such stereotypes
have on the audiences perceptions of
teenagers?
Why does the media use
stereotypes?
•
•
•
•
•
For humour
Convey meaning quickly
Suggest shared societal values
Make a group feel special or superior etc.
Create distinctions (old vs. young, men vs.
women)
• Play to an audience
• Sensationalise to get attention / make sales
• Promote specific agendas
Use of Stereotypes
2
3
4
Video: Media & Stereotypes
• Where is the "Muslim World"? Professor Tony
McEnery at TEDxLancasterU - YouTube
Stereotypes in the Headlines
• “He was a devout Muslim but he was a normal
kid who loved Manchester United and played
football and cricket.” (The Mirror, 1st April 2004)
• “Former classmates of Miss Belgium said she had
gone from being a normal girl to a devout Muslim
almost overnight (Daily MaiI, 11 February 2006)
• “women are being forced to dress like daleks”
(The Sun, 7 August 2009)
The Dangers of Stereotyping
• They encourage audiences to think large groups of people are all the
same, and often have the same negative characteristics.
• Our self-identity comes from the images and messages we see around
us
• Groups may feel unfairly represented.
• What would happen if people were only to think in terms of
stereotypes?
• They cause people to exaggerate differences among groups.
• They lead people to focus selectively on information that agrees with
the stereotype and ignore information that disagrees with it.
When stereotypes are challenged…
2
3
4
5