The Influence of Stereotypes

When I look at someone it is automatic that some bit of judgment is involved in my thinking. Honestly, there is no way for me not to assume ideas before meeting or getting to know someone. I do not necessarily consume this judgment into my final decision of accepting or not accepting the person, but I definitely put a person into a group beforehand. That’s just how I think and I do not know why. In the writing, “Stereotypes,” Dyer explains that “images of” people, places, etc. surround us. We are unable to avoid representing or stereotyping something or someone because that is simply how we form understanding.

One thought that I found very interesting in Dyer’s writing was, “I accept that one apprehends reality only through representations of reality, through texts, discourse, images; there is no such thing as unmediated access to reality. But because one can see reality only through representation, it does not follow that one does not see reality at all,” (Dyer, 2). So do we see reality or not? I believe that the reality is always blocked by representation. I can explain exactly what I do when I meet someone for the first time: I notice how they dress, the way they look, the way they speak, their thoughts. And I form an idea based on representation. This, to me, does seem like I’m losing reality. But at the same time, I accept my ideas as reality. It seems a bit confusing to me to understand the whole concept, but I do understand that perception based off of “images” that have already been created can influence my way of thought.

According to Dyer, the stereotypes of power are, “men, whites, heterosexuals, and the able-bodied,” and these are considered to be the norm (Dyer, 3). Without these titles, they have no power and therefore, are just like anyone else. I am aware that women had little to no power in the past because of their stereotype, but I do not feel that women are limited in this life. Yes, we are still stereotyped as inferior to men (mainly from physical aspects), but I do believe that women are at a high power and very influential.

Another important idea: “It is notoriously difficult to draw the line between harm-free drinking and harmful drinking. But stereotypes can,” (Dyer, 6). It is interesting because stereotypes easily show opposition between an alcoholic and someone who drinks a lot and that is the only way you can tell the difference. The same goes for homosexuals and heterosexuals and the similar feelings and emotions they have. Stereotypes are a very powerful tool that is very influential.