Stereotypes

Discussion in the Racisim thread got me thinking about stereotypes and how they are portrayed.

There is often a lot discussion when a stereotype is used as part of a joke or perhaps in advertising.

Some people take the view that this is always wrong but I think it can depend how it is done.

I remember watching something on TV a few years ago where the discussion was if it was ok to make fun the stereotype of a gay man or gay couple. The viewpoint of one the interviewees was that we sometimes make fun of straight men being very macho which is just another stereotype. Not always correct just like the stereotype of a gay man is someone very camp or lesbian to be very butch. However the stereotypes usually exist because there is a high number of people from that particular group who do behave or do particular things. Of course there are limits to what is just gentle fun poking and nastiness but you can point out traits or behaviours without been mean.

I saw a stand-up (can't remember who) talking about the difference in a relationship between a heterosexual couple and a gay couple. The difference came in the argument over picking up a wet towel. Basicaly the comic implied that in the hetero couple the woman would constantly be asking the man to hang his wet towel up but the gay couple wouldn't have this discussion as they would both hang the towel up. Essentialy this plays on two stereotypes.

The first that in the hetero relationship the woman is neat and the man messy and the second in that both the gay men will be tidy. Neither was portrayed as being worse than the other, and I'm sure if you went and questioned lots of couples you would find many where this is true. It was pointing out the difference between two things.

So I guess the question is do you think there are times where stereotypes are ok to portray?

It can be any type of stereotype, I just chose the above two examples as I think that is a stereotype that exists in most countries. Some other stereotypes such as those of immigrants may be more specific to your little corner world.

Edited by Aaron - spelling.

Stereotypes are built on truth. If they weren't recognisable, they wouldn't work, and wouldn't become established stereotypes. There is nothing wrong per se in the use of any stereotype, but one should be careful of how a stereotyped character is used, and what is done to and by them. And, of course, try to avoid any connotation that 'this is what all ____ people are like'.

Typical.

Stereotypers are lazy and judgemental.
But not all of them, just the odd bad apples who besmirch the good name of the majority.