Using Images Informatively with Text

Many people use these stereotypes and take it way too far out of line. Joking around is fine, but at some point, we have to draw the line. Where exactly is this boundary that leads to harmful consequences if crossed? Before we can answer this, we need to understand more about stereotypes. What causes it, and how can it affect people?

How do people develop these stereotypes? There are many causes, such as learning from family and peers. One of the biggest causes of stereotypes is the media, especially television. There is a wide range of shows, many of which stimulate certain beliefs about ethnic stereotypes. For example, "Gang members on television are almost always Latino or African American" (Linn, 24). The idea of blacks being gang members is one of the biggest stereotypes out there. Because of this, many people become frightened when they see a black person in the streets.

Many people use these stereotypes and take it way too far out of line. Joking around is fine, but at some point, we have to draw the line. Where exactly is this boundary that leads to harmful consequences if crossed? Before we can answer this, we need to understand more about stereotypes. What causes it, and how can it affect people?

How do people develop these stereotypes? There are many causes, such as learning from family and peers. One of the biggest causes of stereotypes is the media, especially television. There is a wide range of shows, many of which stimulate certain beliefs about ethnic stereotypes. For example, "Gang members on television are almost always Latino or African American" (Linn, 24). The idea of blacks being gang members is one of the biggest stereotypes out there. Because of this, many people become frightened when they see a black person in the streets.

Many people use these stereotypes and take it way too far out of line. Joking around is fine, but at some point, we have to draw the line. Where exactly is this boundary that leads to harmful consequences if crossed? Before we can answer this, we need to understand more about stereotypes. What causes it, and how can it affect people?

How do people develop these stereotypes? There are many causes, such as learning from family and peers. One of the biggest causes of stereotypes is the media, especially television. There is a wide range of shows, many of which stimulate certain beliefs about ethnic stereotypes. For example, "Gang members on television are almost always Latino or African American" (Linn, 24).

John Leguizamo is the leader of a drug-dealing gang consisting of Latinos and Blacks in the movie Empire (2002; allmoviephoto.com)

The idea of blacks being gang members is one of the biggest stereotypes out there. Because of this, many people become frightened when they see a black person in the streets.