Episode 4 is now live on YouTube, but you can also watch it below.
This episode is a sort of continuation of episode one when we discussed German stereotypes and first impressions.
Here we do our best to discuss as many British and American stereotypes that we could think of.
Watch the video and let us know what we missed – or got right.
*Stereotype means: “a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.” (Oxford)
For example, “the stereotype of the woman as the carer”
The problem with stereotypes is that they tend to oversimplify people who are more complex than these simplicities allow. Stereotypes can be positive and negative, but regardless tend to lead to harmful stereotypes that, in its worse case leads to the (too often legal) persecution of individuals and groups.
According to The Conversation, “Stereotype threat leads to a vicious circle. Stigmatised individuals experience anxiety which depletes their cognitive resources and leads to underperformance, confirmation of the negative stereotype and reinforcement of the fear.”
The first step in addressing stereotypes is personally working on identifying them in your life and around you. Awareness matters.
Secondly educate yourself of others experiences and grow your empathy. This means simply reading diverse stories by diverse individuals and believing the stories other people tell you about their experiences.
Just because you happen to not have the same experiences, doesn’t mean those experiences are not real and true for others.
We will definitely discuss this more in future videos.
And now, to the video…
Let us know in the comments what you think. Did we miss any stereotypes or get any wrong in your opinion?
Do you have any suggestions for a topic we should discuss on the couch/sofa, let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Instagram @MC_Culture_Consult
MC Culture Consult 