In the 20/20 special “Race and Sex: What We Think But Can’t Say,” host Joel Stossel consults with a variety of experts on numerous topics related to the subject of stereotypes. The segment’s argument is that, while stereotypes are typically seen as harmful, are stereotypes based on truth immoral to vocalize or have? We often have stereotypes about people; cultural stereotypes often include black people being good at sports or dancing, gay people being effeminate and being predisposed to certain occupations, and more. Many people believe these are terrible things to do, but the documentary also posits the question of whether or not we are making too big a deal about stereotypes. In essence, one interviewee argues that stereotypes based on truth (e.g. “black people are better dancers”) should not be vilified when stated. Stereotypes come from implicit biases, which stems from the biological need to sum someone or something up quickly in order to make quick judgments about what they are and what to do about them – these are unconscious and inherent to every human being. However, stereotypes also become self-fulfilling prophecies; people with stereotypes held against them will believe that that is the only thing they can do (e.g. blacks entering the world of sports because culture believes them to be good at sports). Gay stereotypes, for instance, are often true for the majority of the time, as they find themselves involved in the arts a great deal, but they are not true for every gay person and should not be considered as such.
With regards to stereotyping, I believe that they are generally a bad thing – even with the arguments that state it is preternatural, and that sometimes the stereotypes are true, it is not helpful to foster a culture of acceptance with these stereotypes. Karr (1996) notes that we often form our lies and the lives of others into narratives – Karr’s description of her Texas family runs close to stereotypes of “rednecks” – gun-toting, booze-drinking drug-dealing people – but she notes specific stories about these people without saying that these are Texan stereotypes. However, Buczynski characterizes men as sweaty, aggressive, misogynistic brutes who have difficulty showing their feelings – this is a negative stereotype . To that end, we do not need to justify those implicit biases as much anymore; when we say something about a group, whether it is true or not, it is a stereotype – even if it is positive. Stossel makes a good point in that open discussion of these stereotypes might be a good thing, but the documentary itself (particularly the comments of John McWaters) seems to take the tone that outrage against stereotyping is overblown. In one instance, McWaters states that people who are upset about stereotyping are “acting” like they are enlightened in order to send the message that group difference should never be acknowledged. While it is possible that group differences between races and ethnicities exist, what benefit does it have to those who do not fit the stereotype? This is the real question – in my opinion, stereotypes hurt most those to whom they do not apply, and it is for that reason that stereotypes should be discouraged.
Works Cited
“Race and Sex: What We Think (But Can’t Say).” 20/20. September 15, 2006.
