Stereotypes are fixed,rigid and over-generalized beliefs about
an individual belonging to a specific group,like
race,caste,religion,gender etc.These are mistaken beliefs based on
incomplete or irrelevant information,i.e only focusing on what the
person the sees.The outer appearance can be untrue or partly
true.
They could be beneficial as they help us to respond quickly to
situations which we might have experienced earlier.It helps us to
simplify the social world we are living in since it reduces the
amount of thinking when we meet someone new.
They can be deterimental as well as it leads to ignoring
individual differences,making us think things about others which my
not be true.We assume that the person possesses all the
characterstics just because he or she belongs to a particular
group.
For example,considering all muslims as terrorists or all blacks
are good atheletes.
Women are not good at driving than men is a gender
stereotype.
One way to overcome stereotypes is to start focusing on
individual differences and take into consideration that no two
individuals belonging to the same group are same.
We should consider people as humans and reflect on our inner
thoughts and feelings and how they tend to affect our beliefs and
attitudes towards other.We should be open minded and aware by
concentrating on true information and not live in our own bubble
and develop pre-conceived notions.
Interacting with people from different cultures,races,genders.
etc is extremely important to become culturally competent and
overcome any doubts about one's culture or religion.