Express your thoughts Freely.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Stereotype VS Comparison

When is it ok to say she dresses like a white girl? When will we be able to compare two different races and it will not been seem as a stereotype?

Is there a difference between negative and positive stereotypes?

Why do we always see stereotype as being negative. If I say she dresses like a white girl is that a negative stereotype?

A comparison is a rhetorical strategy in which a writer examines similarities and/or differences between two people, places, ideas, or things.

Base on that definition of comparison. Can I compare two different races/people without causing problem for people with very sensitive race radar?

A stereotype is a preconceived idea that attributes certain characteristics (in general) to all the members of class or set. The term is often used with a negative connotation when referring to an oversimplified, exaggerated, or demeaning assumption that a particular individual possesses the characteristics associated with the class due to his or her membership in it. Stereotypes can be used to deny individuals respect or legitimacy based on their membership in that group.
Stereotypes often form the basis of prejudice and are usually employed to explain real or imaginary differences due to race, gender, religion, ethnicity, socio-economic class, Stereotypes may be occasionally positive.

With that example if I say this young lady dresses like a black girl, when she is white is that a negative comparison. Or does it takes on the full meaning of stereotype?

I think it’s merely a comparison, for one in order for it to be a stereotype you have to be a part of the group.the definition suggests above of stereotype.

I was told last night by a fellow blogger that I am stereotyping by saying this and that I am not culturally aware.

I really want to hear you guys view on this topic. Weather it be in support or against my opinion.

Thanks much for sharing.

5 comments:

CoogieCruz said...

This is one of those questions where the answers lie somewhere in the shades of gray rather than just black or white. Oh lord I just realized how I was wording this and I swear it wasn't intentional. But anyways, I think it is possible to make a comparison between the two but you have to be very careful on what you say and how you are saying. But some of it is just BS because no matter what you say or do, you can't make everyone happy.

OmegaRadium said...

People will always find a way to twist words and find messages where there aren't messages to be found.

Take Resident Evil 5's situation. Because a white guy is in Africa shooting black zombies, people are calling it racist. Would it have been better to have a black guy shooting black zombies? Isn't that black on black violence? A black man shooting white zombies? That's even worse!

I wouldn't worry too much about what you say in company of your friends...but among professionals, stereotypes are too shady to get into and you have to be aware.

Unbreakable said...

lol omega black on black violence, as simple as you say that omega someone may say your comparing black to zombies its just in the way people think their perception.

Andhari said...

Ahhh stereotypes. There are times that I hate it the most. Like some American guys see me as an Asian, so they translate I must be a prude, uptight kinda girl who doesnt know how to have fun?

Then of course, i'll get violent when responding that :P

ChinkyGirLMeL said...

Well it's really a matter of how one perceives it. What is a comparison for one person might be considered stereotype for another. People try to find hidden twisted messages in a simple comparison. tsk tsk...