Question

In this unit, you are learning about how perception affects social situations. Schemata such as prototypes, personal constructs, stereotypes, and scripts can all influence how we communicate. Find an example in the media (commercial, scene in a movie/TV show, etc.) that features two or more of these schemata, and how it influenced the social situation in the media clip.

Answer 1

Stereotype thinking reveals a generalized belief held by people about particular group or people. Stereotype thinking leads to prejudice and discrimination. In film Gandhi, many instances of white supremacy and stereotype thinking by white men against Indians are shown. One example is when Mr. Gandhi travelled in first class coach and thrown out by white people. He protested against such discrimination. The behavior of white people at that time reveals a stereotype thinking that all colored people are inferior to whites and therefore, they would not be allowed to travel in first class coach. The colored people did not have similar rights and they had secondary citizenship. Such widespread discrimination against blacks of South Africa caused white people to develop a stereotype thinking that they were superior.

The second example is killing of Mahatma Gandhi by Nathuram Godse who believed that Mr. Gandhi was pro-Muslim and always ignored Hindus sentiments. He did this based on prototype thinking. Prototype thinking is based on pre-existing ideas and making quick decisions. Categorization of Mr. Gandhi in this image was thought to be ideal to support Muslim interests. Godse found Mr. Gandhi representing those qualities of a person who always advocated rights of Muslims. Godse firmly believed that Mr. Gandhi and most of his team cared only for Muslims and was an enemy for Hindus’ interests. Due to this feeling, he killed Mr. Gandhi. It was also an act based on prototype thinking that Nathuram developed because he was surrounded by likeminded people who believed that Mr. Gandhi was only caring for Muslims. These two examples are prominent examples of schemata used in this film.