This document discusses stereotypes and contains information from a project called BEAMS that aims to break down stereotypes of migrants and minorities in Europe. It provides definitions of stereotypes, explaining that they are oversimplified and often incorrect generalizations about groups of people. Stereotypes can be used to justify prejudice and discrimination. The document also includes examples of stereotypes about British and Italian people. It emphasizes that stereotypes should be replaced with seeing people as individuals who share a language and culture rather than making assumptions.

1. •Questo video e le opinioni espresse sono quelle delle persone
intervistate e degli autori . La Commissione Europea non è responsabile
per qualsiasi uso che venga fatto di questo video. E’ vietata la
riproduzione o duplicazione con qualsiasi mezzo.
•The content of this video reflect the views of the interviewees and
authors. The European Commission is not responsible for any use that
may be made thereof. Is forbidden the reproduction or duplication by any
means.
www.beams-project.eu1

2. BEAMS PROJECT
BEAMS: Breaking down European Attitudes towards
Migrant/Minority Stereotypes
Project code: JUST/2011/FRAC/AG/2844
CLASSE 2 R
DOCENTE COORDINATORE: ANTONELLA PINOS

3. ONE WORLD, ONE PEOPLE
BREAKING DOWN EUROPEAN
ATTITUDES TOWARDS MIGRANT
/MINORITIES STEREOTYPES

4. Reading: stereotypes
A stereotype is a fixed idea that people have about specific social groups or
individuals , an idea that is wrong. The term has a Greek origin: stereos means solid
or firm and typos means impression.
Stereotypes are distorted, standardized and simplified ideas of people, based on
some prejudices, they are not derived from objective facts. As sociologist Charles
E. Hurst says "One reason for stereotypes is the lack of personal, concrete
familiarity with people in other racial or ethnic groups.".
The existence of stereotypes may be explained by the need of some people to view
themselves as more normal or superior to other people. Consequently, stereotypes
may be used to justify prejudices and ignorance towards what is unknown.
Stereotypes may also be used for scapegoating and may lead to xenophobia or
racism. Finally another serious consequence of stereotypes is the feeling of
inferiority that the stereotyped people may have .
www.beams-project.eu4

5. WHAT’S A STEREOTYPE?
After reading on stereotypes, choose some adjectives
to describe this attitude:
A stereotype is ...
www.beams-project.eu5
Fixed, funny, simplified,
rare, interesting, fair,
boring, wrong, unfair,
distorted, pretty, dangerous,
happy, discriminatory,
amusing, harmless,
standardized.

6. An acrostic…
SCAPE GOAT
ETHNIC GROUPS
XENOPHOBIA
RACISM
FEELING OF SUPERIORITY
IGNORANCE
DISCRIMINATION
DIGNITY
PREJUDICE
FEELING OF INFERIORITY
Can your group use these words to write a short passage on “Stereotypes”?
www.beams-project.eu6

7. www.beams-project.eu7

8. Why so elegant? I’m english!
www.beams-project.eu8

9. They drive on the “wrong “side of
the road!

10. Teatime is at 5 sharp!

11. Butlers are usually
guilty,
but always English!

12. w
waiting for you! I'm late
I’m sorry I'm
late!

13. www.beams-project.eu13

14. www.beams-project.eu14
Oh….this hat is
really horrible!
I hate it! What about
you?

15. Am I chic with this
bowler hat?

16. We are
crazy for
dogs!

17. The English
love the Royal
Family like their
tea!

18. Today’s menu?
Fish and chips!
Yummy!
Like yesterday, before yesterday and three days ago…!
Today’smenu?
Fishand chips!
Yummy!
Like yesterday,
the day before
andthree days ago!

19. Neighbour’s lawn
Isn’t it better than my
Neighbour’s?

20. Gli inglesi non mangiano bene
We Love IT!
Do they eat healthy food?

21. They look so trendy !

22. Is it really always raining in Britain ?

23. The British are proud of their country

24. They always keep informed!

25. Britain: land of rolling hills…

26. It’s not simple beer…
it’s our national drink!

27. We love second-hand clothes!

28. Home sweet home!

29. Healthy British
breakfast!

30. THE BRITISH DON’T LIKE FOREIGN LANGUAGES
I can’tspeakany
foreignlanguage!

31. and they always say Thank
you!
Thank you

32. The British are reserved:
they adore and respect privacy!
I’m reserved!

33. WHAT ARE WE LIKE?
SOME STEREOTYPES ON
THE ITALIANS
www.beams-project.eu33

34. Coffee for breakfast, lunch, dinner…
… always!!!!!

35. North: We
are the best!!!
South: No, Weare the
best!!!

36. LOOK!!!
LOOK!!!

37. We speak with hands

38. The Italians love music, singing and art!

39. Mummy, I love you!!

40. The boys are all latin-lovers and they adore foreign
girls!!

41. The rules are for all….
….the
others
We rarely respect the rules

42. We love pizza, bread and pasta

44. We are all members of the
MAFIA!

45. SO WHAT?
Let’s turn stereotypes into
features of a group of
people who share the
same language, culture,
history…
www.beams-project.eu45

46. BUT HOW?
Stop watching,
Start seeing!
www.beams-project.eu46

47. HEY, BROTHER, DO YOU STILL
BELIEVE IN ONE ANOTHER?
www.beams-project.eu47

48. www.beams-project.eu48

49. HEY, BROTHER, DO YOU STILL
BELIEVE IN ONE ANOTHER?
www.beams-project.eu50