Stereotype

From Wikinfo

Originally a stereotype was an impression taken from a form of movable lead type and used for printing instead of the original type. This was generalized into a metaphor for repeating a set of ideas identically with no changes (as would have been possible in a form of movable type).

In modern usage, the metaphorical meaning predominates. The term is generally used to describe an oversimplified mental picture of some group of people who are sharing a certain characteristic (or stereotypical) qualities. The term is thus often used in a negative sense, with stereotypes being seen by many as illogical yet deeply held-beliefs that can only be changed through education.

In computing, the negative connotation does not apply; stereotype is also a concept in the Unified Modeling Language, where it is used to encapsulate behaviors. Thus, a stereotype is used as a vehicle for communicating software requirements and designs.

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

In literature and art, stereotypes are clich�d or predictable characters or situations. For example, the stereotypical devil is a red, impish character with horns and a pitchfork.

Common stereotypical characters

• The "hard-boiled" or tough private eye
• The aging absent-minded professor (sometimes speaking incoherently)
• The ditzy busty blonde woman ("dumb blonde")
• The dowdy librarian (who becomes instantly attractive when she takes her glasses off)
• The degenerate aristocrat with top hat, tuxedo, and monocle
• The snobbish butler (speaking with a British English or other European accent)
• The nerdy scientist (with black wiry-framed glasses, black bowtie, white coat, speaking in technobabble)
  • Similar: The short genius schoolkid, who wears glasses and uniform ("geek" or "dork")
• The primly dressed schoolmarm with her pointer and "Now, class" address
• The peg-legged pirate with an eye patch and parrot
• The overweight, doughnut-eating cop who believes skateboarding is a crime
• The prostitute with a heart of gold
• The brightly colored court jester
• The villain with black clothes, moustache like two needles and generalized Central or Eastern European accent
• The jolly Middle Eastern or South Asian cornershop owner with his collection of trinkets
• The picky chef with his toque and piquant French accent
• The overdelivering game show host with his giant smile
• The confrontational gangster in his pinstripe suit from Armani or Versace, who hides his gun in a violin case
• The tobacco-spitting baseball player
• The effeminate homosexual male
• The butch lesbian
• The old lady who sits on the porch, reminiscing and knitting

See also: archetype, stock character, counterstereotype (antonym)

References

• Adapted from the Wikipedia article, "Stereotype" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stereotype, used under the GNU Free Documentation License