STEREOTYPES

‘Heaven is where
the police are British,
the cooks French,
the mechanics German,
the lovers Italian,
and it is all organised
by the Swiss ...

Hell is where
the police are German,
the cooks British,
the mechanics French,
the lovers Swiss,
and it is all organised
by the Italians ! ...’

Look at the following list of nationalities. Write down typical characteristics with a
partner. Use the adjectives in the box below to help you.

• The French are proud, make the best cheese.

• The Irish are talkative, have a great sense of humour.
• The Italians…
• The Spanish …
• The Dutch ...
• The Germans ...
• The Swiss ...
• The Swedish ...
• The Americans ...
• The Australians …
• The Japanese ...
• The Indians are ...
• The Polish…

What would your version of the above poem look like. Discuss this with your
partner.

• aggressive
• punctual • outgoing • hospitable
• polite
• tolerant • patriotic • talkative
• rude
• romantic • cocky • sociable
• arrogant
• respectful • humorous • serious
• ignorant
• hard- • lazy • quiet
• casual
working • sophisticate • formal
• sombre
• emotional d
• conservativ
• passionate
• laid back • charming e
.

1. Obviously the above national stereotypes are generalizations, but such stereotypes
are often said to “exist for a reason.” Is there actually a sliver of truth in them?

2. As well as race and nationality brainstorm other reasons that stereotypes arise.

3. Stereotype yourself…what stereotypes and misconceptions are relevant to you?

GENDER STEREO TYPES:-
All societies have different roles for each sex. By following a role, people are able to
advertise what sex they are to others – in the absence of being able to ‘get naked’ and
physically show these characteristics. The conclusion is that although we seem to need
to have gendered roles for people and rely on some of them to have a sense of being a
proper member of one of two sexes, they are mostly arbitrary –created according to
how society needs to divide responsibilities between people.

1. Do you agree? Why or why not? Give examples to support point of view.
2. What happens to people who don’t conform to the appropriate roles?
3. Why do people hide their likes and dislikes? For example men who enjoy soap
operas.
4. Tell about an experience you have had with biased behaviour.

Debate: Stereotypes are useful to society.

“I stereotype. Its faster”

What some would call a delightful dialog from the charmingly snarky film “Up in
the Air” has aroused a small wave of controversy among it’s viewers. The dialog is
from an airport scene when the character played by George Clooney passes on a
bit of politically incorrect advice to the inexperienced Anna Kendrick on how to cut
time at the airport and avoid unnecessary hassles.
A considerably suave Clooney says “Never get behind old people. Their bodies are
littered with hidden metal and they never seem to appreciate how little time they
have left.”
Upon spotting some well dressed Japanese business men in the line he remarks
“Bingo! Japanese. They pack light, travel efficiently, and they have a thing for slip
on shoes. Gotta love ‘em. ”
To which Anna Kendrick remarks in all moral indignation “That’s racist”
Clooney retorts “I’m like my mother, I stereotype. It’s faster”

Negative stereotypes make women worse at maths by Emma Young

Women told that female under-achievement in mathematics is due to genetic

factors perform much worse on maths tests than those told that social factors are
responsible. During a study 220 women were told that there are definite sex
differences in maths performance. One group was then told that genetic factors
were the cause. Another group was told that experiences with studying maths
were responsible - that women do worse than men because of the way their
teachers interacted with them in elementary school, for instance.
The impact on subsequent mathematics tests was significant, with the "genes"
group getting about half as many correct answers as the "experiential" group.
"Experiential accounts make people think they can overcome those experiences,"
says Heine. "Whereas the 'genes' group think of genes as the core of themselves,
so ask: how can I overcome this, when this is part of who I am?"
 Worksheet - Expressing opinion

In certain situations, both at university and in our careers, we have to give our opinions and discuss subjects that
we may disagree about. It is useful to know some of the correct language so that we can agree and disagree
politely without causing offence.
Read some of these different ways of saying what you think about something:

It’s my I believe
It’s perfectly
opinion that …
I think
clear to me
that … that …
that ...

I may be wrong, but In my

I believe …
opinion, …

Can you think of any other ways of expressing opinion?

Work with a partner and decide whether the below statements match the meanings of a, b or c.

a) I agree b) I agree with some of what you’re saying but not all. c) I disagree

I totally agree with you…(a)… I’m sorry, I can’t agree with ……

Exactly! I couldn’t agree more…… Perhaps, but ……
I’m sorry, but I disagree……. I’m afraid that isn’t right ……
You’re absolutely right……. That may be the case, however, ……
Nonsense! That makes no sense…… That’s true……

Verbal Boxing

You are going to have a ‘verbal’ boxing match to show how good you are at giving your opinion and debating a topic.
You will work in teams. Your teacher will give you a ‘motion’ to debate and tell you which side of the motion you
will argue. You will have ten minutes to prepare for the fight.

Main points to think about:

1. You need to think of as many different things to say as possible before the fight.
2. You should think about what the other team might say and how you can respond.
3. You must use the opinion, agreement and disagreement phrases that we have discussed.
4. Try to use some new vocabulary in your argument.