What is a Stereotype???

A stereotype is a generalised view of a group of people, stereotypes are largely based on appearances.

For instance a common stereotype used is the perception that blonde's are dumb bimbos. This stereotype was formed in the media by actress Marilyn Monroe in the 1950's when she played female blonde characters who were seen as dumb and ditsy. So how do we stereotype? well, we basically judge another persons appearance and presume based on their appearance that will be how they will act. Why do we do it?! well the media industry is mostly responsible for our stereotyping as they regularly show these stereotypes in television programs, magazines, films etc which we grow accustomed to seeing causing us to easily stereotype and discriminate against others. The media uses stereotypes to capture the viewers attention as we are shown them so often which enables us to understand a character.