Stereotyping In The Media

“Stereotypes are belief about the characteristics or attributes and behaviors of members of certain groups. They are also theories about how and why certain attributes go together” (Hilton, von Hippel,1996 pg). Persons are assigned into different categories as a form of organizing society into simpler manageable groups. As it depicts the social attitude towards others that may or may not fit into another person’s standings, it can be positive or negative and can occur involuntary at times. Labeling is a social phenomenon that has been in existence from the beginning of time. Individuals that share similar interests, needs and characteristics generally socialize amongst each other as they share familiar experiences. However, society may further

Did the U.S Presidential Election have any effects on how Bahamians viewed Senator Butler-Turner? It is possible that Bahamians that they were motivated of her inability to become a successful leader based on how they viewed Clinton. The idea of women trying to rule the world, perhaps? The role of media should be to create public awareness, of course some entertainment. What happens when they are dictating to its listeners and followers what considered acceptable for the ingroups and cast stones upon the outgroups? Why are they not held accountable for their actions? Lasorsa and Dai texts mentions that journalists are taught to avoid stereotyping by eliminating race, ethnicity and personal opinions when reporting (2007, pg 283). Unfortunately, that’s not what can be seen in the newspapers or nightly news reports. The Nassau Guardian’s Managing Editor Candia Dames has come under personal and professional attack several times for inserting her personal views. In January 2017, the Tribune reported that Candia labeled Loretta Butler Turner a “political basket case” after appointing Rodney Moncur to the

The crowd giggled and taunted the young man. Their assumptions that he will be picked up by the immigration officers on routine patrol because he is illegal, is solely based on their prejudgment that his parents have no status in the country. Stereotypes has impacts on feelings and can be motivated. Someone can simply stereotype another to bring comfort to oneself. Sally hates school and regrets going every day. She is tormented at school daily. “Sally is a Haitian”, “Sally smells like a Haitian’. Why is Sally so hurt by what she hears, she is not a Haitian? In Bahamian society, being labeled a Haitian is one of the worst derogatory names that can be attached to a person. Haitians are perceive as black, dirty, ugly, violent individuals with foul smelling body odors. While this is definitely not the case it is the frame that is attached to the label. At times the stereotype is reversed. Lucy is the new girl at school, light complexion, long flowing hair. She is a real beauty. People are always wanting to know where she’s from, as she speaks with an accent. Whenever Lucy make it known that her homeland is Haiti, it’s unbelievable. She’s told that she cannot be a Haitian, she does not look like them. What does a Haitian look like? Not, like Lucy. Lucy didn’t fit into the stereotype of a Haitian and is excluded from being attached the group. It is possible to avoiding