Lovely family, I am excited to bring forth my entry for week 174 edition 1 which has to do with stereotypes. My regards to the entire management for their kind of love and concern towards our development in this community. It's been a awesome time participating in the engagement. It's been a great opportunity and privilege to be here. Let me share my fears about this topic, I never knew I would be able to drop something on my blog.
Even though this is not a new word however it's important that attention be given to it.
Stereotype could be viewed as drawing conclusion of things without having a concrete information to justify this. This could also implies being bias or generalizing people,or group of people not on the ground of proper information. This occurs almost daily in our endeavors today. Before I delve into examples and experiences I would like to share little about it.
Stereotype could be as a result of gender especially in our African region where most cultures are very sensitive to gender issues. Recently there has been a campaign on gender base violence which is prevalence in most regions in Africa and Nigeria. Gender stereotype includes the costly assumption about gender. For instance it's believed that men no matter the pain shouldn't cry hmmm is this information true? Is it genuine? It's completely inaccurate and inappropriate because men are also humans which go through all the circumstances that human beings go through. Some people relegated women to only kitchen and cooking food for the house. This is not their sole responsibility but marriage is to be enjoyed by both parties and not to be sided by one party. There are lots of limitation embargo placed on women which affects their productivity and resourcefulness in the present world.
Another kind of stereotype is age. This is also a common stereotype that happens in our society and I am also a victim both directly and indirectly. There are certain assumptions and conclusions being said about people's age. In Nigeria for instance, the older ones are normally called old fashioned and is believed that they can't comprehend the jet age. This is not completely true because I have seen some older people that are open to learning and adapting easily with the trend. A lady refused to get married to a guy ten years older than her because she's bent on pseudo information about marriage. This has caused a negative imprint in her life today.
There is also stereotype occupation in our world today. This involves inappropriate conclusions about professions or occupation. Some people tend to rank some profession and occupation higher than others which is not proper. At times the lawyer will look down on somehow that did science perhaps he can't speak good English or they are of less importance in the society.
There are other factors too that contributes to different stereotype exhibited by people today such as cultures, ethnic backgrounds etc. Some of these things results in prejudice, discrimination and even stigmatization. All these happened due to insufficient knowledge and understanding about things.
The big question now is how can we break stereotype? There are different ways one can be delivered from this kind of attitude. Exposure and interaction. Most people has a social challenge. They find it difficult to associate and relate with people due to kind of knowledge they stocked in their brains while some battle with their background. It's good for one to be exposed.
Another way to break being stereotype is by education. School stands as a vital thing to break down lots of unconfirmed ideas and information.
Improved socialization, education, open-minded and being tolerant were ways to break through stereotype.
Thanks for reading through.