Blog 19

In order to prevent stereotypes and try to minimize them as much as possible, it is necessary to control the cause of the problem.  One of these problems is the media and the content that the media publishes.  The media tries to publish the most interesting and shocking story in order to get more viewers.  In the article, On Stereotypes, Media And Redressing Gendered Social Inequality, the author discusses this problem and ways to help prevent it.  If the media publishes something that is biased or subjective, it could influence the perception of whoever sees it.  If you read or watch something that contains stereotypes, it is easy for you to start to believe them and consider them true.  Knowing this, it is important to try to prevent the media from publishing articles that are biased and subjective. But, there are also other factors that you need to take into account when you are dealing with stereotypes.  In the article, it described one of these factors, “Perhaps the most dangerous quality of stereotypes is that they never fully disappear and can be revived in the service of old myths” (Hermes 184).  Although you can work hard to change someone’s perception of a particular group or culture, it is easy for these people to go back to their old beliefs.  But at the same time, stereotypes can help make a group stronger and more determined.  If a group feels as if they are being treated unfairly, they may work harder to prove everyone wrong.  Negative stereotypes can cause someone to be more motivated and determined to accomplish their goals.