Reading Comprehension : StereoTypes

A stereotype is a fixed idea that people have about what specific social groups or individuals are like, especially an idea that is wrong. Other terms that are associated with the term stereotype are prejudice and cliche. The term has a Greek origin: stereos means solid or firm and typos mean blow, impression, engraved or mark. The term was first used in the printing business. The first modern English use of the term was in 1850, meaning "image perpetuated without change."

1. Stereotype: a belief or idea of what a particular type of person or thing is like.
   
2. Prejudice:an unseasonable dislike and distrust of people who are different from you in some way, specially because of their race, sex, religion, etc...
3. Cliche:a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought.
4. Firm:a business concern, especially one involving a partnership of two or more people.
5. Blow:an action or event that causes difficulty or sadness for someone
6. Engraved:to carve (cut) words or designs on metal, wood, glasses, etc...
7. Perpetuated: make something continue to exist for a long time.

Because stereotypes are standardized and simplified ideas of groups, based on some prejudices, they are not derived from objective facts, but rather subjective and often unverifiable ideas. As Sociologist Charles E. Hurst states* "One reason for stereotypes is the lack of personal, concrete familiarity that individuals have with persons in other racial or ethnic groups. Lack of familiarity encourages the lumping together of unknown individuals".

• lumping : a small piece of something solid.

The existence of stereotypes may be explained by the need of groups of people to view themselves as more normal or more superior than other groups. Consequently, stereotypes may be used to justify ill-founded prejudices or ignorance and prevent people of stereotyped groups from entering or succeeding in various activities or fields. The stereotyping group is, generally, reluctant to reconsider their attitudes and behavior towards stereotyped group.

• consequently: as a result (SYN: therefore)
  
• reluctant: unwilling or hesitant.

Stereotypes may affect people negatively. This includes forming inaccurate and distorted images and opinions of people. Stereotypes may also be used for scapegoating or for making general erroneous judgments about people. Some stereotyping people may feel comfortable when they prevent themselves from emotional identification with the stereotyped group, which leads to xenophobic or racist behavior. Finally another serious consequence of stereotypes is the feeling of inferiority that the stereotyped people may have and which may impair their performance.

• distorted : (v) change the appearance, sound or shape of something so that it is strange or unclear
• scapegoating: make a scapegoat of (كبش الفداء).
• xenophobic: strong fear or dislike of people from other countries.
• inferior:the condition of being lower in status or quality than another or others.
• impair : weaken or damage something ( especially a human faculty or function)