3. Read and listen to the following text. Underline the words related to “stereotypes” and complete
the diagram below. Then, continue reading.
People usually make generalizations based on the experiences they have
had-or the people they have met.
On the one hand, they are necessary because we tend to compare what we
don't know with what is familiar to us in order to face new situations based
on certain parameters.
On the other hand, generalizations can become stereotypes, which are
dangerous because they can lead us to label and judge the individuals who
are part of a group in the wrong way.
Stereotype is a term that was initially associated to printing. It defined a
duplicate impression of a typographical element, which was used to replace
the original. Nowadays, the term refers
4. to the assumptions -usually false- about socio- cultural groups
that people construct from how they suppose the members in
that group are like.
For instance, English people are stereotyped as punctual or
North Americans as workaholics.
However, it is evident that not all English people are punctual,
neither are all Americans addicted to work.
We should consider every person as an individual before
making judgements; in that way we won't miss the opportunity
of meeting nice people because of stereotypical labels.
5.
6. People label us as wealthy and
intolerant.
There are many fellow-citizens that have
lots of money, but we, the common
people, must be hard workers to obtain
a good standard of living.
I know that some people are intolerant,
but most of us are welcoming.
First and foremost, before being
Americans, we are human beings who
care about people.
7. People think that we are boring or lack
a sense of humor. They also think that
we are aggressive.
On the one hand, I believe that our
sense of humor sounds different when
translated into other languages and
that is why people can miss some of its
charm.
On the other hand, we are not
aggressive, the thing is that we are
direct and we always say what we think
8. I know people see Argentineans as
arrogant and people who like to gossip.
There are people with these characteristics,
but not all of us are like that.
On the one hand, people might confuse
our pride for our country with arrogance,
but most of us are friendly.
On the other hand, regarding gossiping, I
think that's because we are family-oriented
people who really care about our friends
and relatives. So, we want to help them as
much as possible.
9. People say that we are reserved, which
in my case is not true.
If something is wrong I don't have any
problem in trusting my close friends.
On the other hand, people also confuse
our punctuality with being rigid-
minded.
The truth is that we try to respect
people's time and that's what we care
18. Have you ever been on the spot because of a nickname or tag that you
received from some “funny peer?” How was that, irritating, shameful or
comical?
On the spot means to be noticed by everyone
Tag means nickname
On the one hand, stereotyping may help us to have an idea of those unknown
things based on the information we have from previous experiences.
On the other hand, this might be also negative. It is normal to meet children,
youngsters or even adults with a strong tendency to tag people because of
their physical appearance or a specific behavior
19. without caring about the effect labeling has on their
victims.
Stereotyping means judgment about someone based
on our previous experiences
Labeling means call people names. – Tag people
The following is an interview with a psychologist
specialized in this
20. issue. He can illustrate for us how this phenomenon might be
generating conflictive situations in our society.
Int: Good afternoon, Dr. Gómez. Thanks for this interview. What is
your opinion about labeling people?
DG: Well, it is very common for people to name others according to
their impressions.
That’s customary, except when we are the ones being labeled.
21. Int: Why do you think that happens?
DG: Because it’s easier to make fun of others. Everything is
funny when it’s about others, but offensive when it’s about us.
Int: What are the immediate effects of this on our society?
Make fun means have fun at the expense of others
DG: Labeling divides people into insiders and outsiders. The
insiders are composed of people who share the same interests.
The second group is the group of people who differ from those
interests.
22. DG: Labeling divides people into insiders and outsiders. The insiders are
composed of people who share the same interests.
The second group is the group of people who differ from those
interests.
Edwin Lemert in his theory explains how people perceive themselves
according to the labels that they receive from others.
That is, a person perceives her/himself as criminal because that was the
tag received from others.
In the case of a child at school or with his/her parents or peers, if she/he
was labeled a failure, that would be his/her perception of him/herself.
23. Int: Then a joke produces an awful effect on people
later.
Joke means a funny story or comment about someone
DG: Exactly, and this is devastating for a society
because as sociologist Howard Becker pointed out,
this act of labeling is a way to segregate people.
24. Segregate means divide, isolate
This generates groups of people who are thrown away by society and
behave according to the label they received.
Int: Then, it’s when we have the groups of troublemakers in
neighborhoods and schools.
Throw away means exclude
Troublemakers means somebody who causes problems constantly
DG: Exactly, in many cases. But labels can also highlight the positive
features someone has as, for example, occurs
25. with the “gifted students.” But tags usually have a negative
connotation.
Int: So, what would be your advice to eliminate this behavior?
DG: First, we should understand that the act of labeling is not a sign
of creativity, but the first sign of being narrow-minded.
Let’s be openminded, more reflective and go deeper before judging
someone just because of her/his appearance. Don’t judge a book by
its cover.
Narrow-minded means foolish or thoughtless
Open-minded means tolerant, respectful
26.
27. As discussed in the previous article, there is a strong tendency to label people relying on superficial
things. This might be fun for some people but might also mean a nightmare for others, as it was for
Lyn. (Introduction)
She is 22 today but when she was twelve, her classmates called her “the tear queen” ( ) because
whenever she had to speak in public, she felt so nervous, even to the point of crying.
“This was annoying for me because it was fun for them but I felt offended and hurt. I had to
go to the psychologist because I was convinced I was a weak person and preferred to avoid
contact with people at college,” ( ) said Lyn.
(Body = story)
As this story shows, our attitudes can harm people and affect their self-esteem even for the rest of
their lives. So, if we are not willing to help others grow, let’s avoid placing obstacles for them.
(Conclusion = Suggestion for people)
