Positive Stereotypes

Can stereotypes be positive? Yes, positive stereotypes do exist. Positive stereotypes can be defined as linking a positive trait with a group of people. This can still be harmful since stereotypes do not apply to all people.

For example "All Asian people are good at math". We can see how this is a positive stereotype. The stereotype compliments Asians, saying that we are all good at a certain subject. So, how is this harmful? It forces people to believe that they have to be good at this or they may not be a "real Asian". A person may not be the best at this subject but what makes them less of their race than someone who is? This can put pressure on Asian people due to the fact that if they believe that this is true, they may think that they are underachieved because their skills are not to par with societies standards.

This can apply to other stereotypes as well. "All black people are good at sports.", so what about the ones who excel at academics but lack being athletic? It does not make him any less black than someone who is good at sports.

In conclusion, positive stereotypes can still have a negative affect on people of that group. This is just another reason to be cautious when you stereotype people.

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What is a Stereotype?

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The Different Types of Stereotypes

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Stereotypes in Society, Blog by Luis Nunag

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