For the term used in Computing, see Stereotype (computing).

In modern usage, a stereotype is a simplified mental picture of an individual or group of people who share a certain characteristic (or stereotypical) qualities. The term is often used in a negative sense, and stereotypes are seen by many as undesirable beliefs which can be altered through education and/or familiarisation. Stereotypes are common in the world of drama, where they are often used as a form of dramatic shorthand.

Common stereotypes include a variety of allegations about various racial groups, (see: racial stereotype and racial profiling) predictions of behavior based on social status and wealth (See social stereotype), and allegations based on sex.

In literature and art, stereotypes are clichéd or predictable characters or situations. For example, the stereotypical devil is a red, impish character with horns and a pitchfork, whilst the stereotypical salesman is a slickly-dressed, fast-talking individual who cannot usually be trusted. The Italian Commedia Dell'arte was known for its stock characters and stock situations, which could be considered drama stereotypes. Throughout history, storytellers have drawn from stereotypical characters and situations, in order to quickly connect the audience with new tales.

The word stereotype originated in the world of printing; it was originally a duplicate impression of an original typographical element, used for printing instead of the original. Over time, this became a metaphor for any set of ideas repeated identically, en masse, with no changes. In fact, cliché and stereotype were both originally printers' words, and in their literal printers' meanings were synonymous. Specifically, cliché was an onomatopoetic word for the sound that was made during the stereotyping process when the matrix hit molten metal.

See also

• archetype
• stock character
• counterstereotype (antonym)

Lists

• list of stereotypical characters in the world of drama
• list of common phrases based on stereotypes
• List of ethnic stereotypes

Psychology

• negativity effect
• outgroup homogeneity bias
• physical attractiveness stereotype
• trait ascription bias

External links

• The psychological and social role of stereotypes
• Suite 101: Shark Tale stereotypes troubling: CNYU Professor