Stereotypes are used to categorize a group of people, which is nowadays often used. We live in a society where it is so easy for us to judge and stereotype someone from just their appearance. At times it is not intentional but we can be influenced by how the media portray race, social class, and gender - which can cause us to make assumptions. Everybody falls under a group that is stereotyped, such as teenagers being loud and carefree, or the elderly being cranky and not understanding the activities young people get up to. 

Stereotypes are conveyed positively and negatively within a variety of media platforms such as film, television, magazines, advertising, and so on.  In film and television, stereotypes are perceived to be humorous and entertaining, so this is why we don’t think of it as a big deal when we automatically assume we know what a person is or like due to their appearance. For instance someone dressed in all black we considered to be a grudge, someone in a hoodie with a hat and bandana to be a thug, or a blonde haired person perceived to be dumb. All these stereotypes can be culturally identified and can be seen as degrading, offensive, and hurtful when they out dated and not true.

I feel that stereotypes limit us; they prevent us from getting to know the real person as we judge before we know them. It can also constrict and limit people to one category, which could affect their ability to break away from their stereotypical roles that have been asserted on them. Being constantly classed as a specific stereotype can cause you to settle - and even start behaving like the stereotype even if you weren’t like it before.

Although stereotypes will most probably always be around, we have to allow it not to affect and dictate what we can and can’t do, just because of society’s perception of a certain group. Negative stereotypes, such as youth being troublesome, can have a bad effect, causing people who were not even like the stereotype to become like it as they begin to settle and accept it. It’s so important to break free from this and prove society wrong; although you look like a certain way or are a part of a certain age group doesn’t mean you reflect the stereotype. I find it so frustrating when people assume I act a certain way because my appearance fits a certain stereotype that has been negativity portrayed by the media.

Next time when you come across someone, think twice before judging and assuming they are a certain way, because of their appearance.

Nadia Adusei-Boateng is a member of the Youth Travel Blogging Mentorship Program.

Photo courtesy and copyright Nadia Adusei-Boateng