Analysis of Sphancers Arguments on Stereotypes in "Stereotype Accuracy"

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 Analysis of Sphancers Arguments on Stereotypes in "Stereotype Accuracy"

Stereotyping is described as the cognitive mechanism through which we attribute

features to an identified group and then immediately pass those attributes to someone we

consider to be a part of that group (Shpancer, 2018). Stereotypes get a poor rap, often with

good cause. According to research, stereotypes may foster intergroup animosity and give rise

to toxic biases based on sex, ethnicity, age, and a variety of other social distinctions.

Stereotypes are mainly used to excuse inequality and bigotry, justify racism, promote

corruption, justify abuse, and protect corrupt power systems (Shpancer, 2018). These

qualities may be physical, ability-based, behavioral features, and so on. Individual

interactions may influence peoples' beliefs in stereotypes, but they are influenced mainly by

the media and the world in which we live. These stereotypes appear to be shared across

cultures rather than varying from individual to individual. In this essay, I will construct a case

based on Sphancer's argument, emphasizing how people can interpret stereotypes and

concentrate on stereotypes' advantages and disadvantages.

Stereotypes are often synonymous with pessimistic opinions. Nevertheless, others

might claim that they may be useful to people in knowing the environment and the

individuals surrounding us in some instances.  As per Paul Bloom, stereotypes are not defects

in our social applications but rather aspects of our biological functionality. This is because

the capacity to stereotype is often needed for practical judgment, which aids in sustenance.

People are social beings, and our actions, beliefs, and thoughts are heavily influenced by

others' actions, beliefs, and opinions. Stereotyping may be seen as a shortcut taken by our

minds while attempting to comprehend a problem or circumstance.

Furthermore, contrary to conventional opinion, stereotypes are generally accurate. As

a result, certain inaccurate stereotypes are intentionally spread to inflict damages. However,
this reality should force us to thoroughly research assumption accuracy to tell the difference

between good and evil.

Stereotypes usually have detrimental consequences, albeit primarily for those who are

stereotyped. Stereotyping hurts people's feelings and makes them self-conscious. This is

because it leads to people being misled and making incorrect decisions. As a result, victims

are conscious and self-stereotyping. Another risk of stereotyping is that it breeds bigotry,

breeds inequality, and causes societal tension and instability. According to John Sanchez, a

professor of psychology in the College of Communication, Intolerance is like tumors. This is

because it helps victims appear offensive and lowers self-esteem and vulnerability. Prejudice

has long been associated with bigotry and abusive behavior. As a result, it is unavoidable that

stereotyping places people in humiliating and risky situations and being assaulted and

humiliated.

In conclusion, stereotyping may be beneficial, and it can aid in strategic thinking.

Stereotypes are our initial impressions of others. They help us adapt quickly to circumstances

that we have encountered in the past, thus recognizing the particular social community to

prevent misbehaving in certain situations. As a result, it is impossible to deny that

stereotyping has provided certain benefits to society. This is because resisting negative

behavior lets us build our connections. By categorizing individuals into categories,

stereotypes help individuals explore the environment without getting confused by

information. That is founded on their prior interactions and perceptions accrued over time.

Stereotypes, on the other hand, usually have unfavorable consequences on both individuals

and societies. A crucial issue is how individuals cope with the social stereotypes of their

lives. People are harmed because they are subjected to prejudices and hostile feelings against

them. One of the essential strategies to prevent stereotyping is for individuals to know each

other before categorizing people.

 References

Noam Shpancer. Sep 20, 2018. "Stereotype Accuracy: A Displeasing Truth." Psychology

Today.https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/insighttherapy/201809/stereotypeac

curacydispleasing-truth