Stereotypes as a form of ordering the mass of complex data that we receive from the world are of only a particular form. These are representation and categorization of persons in a society. These also make sense of that society through generalities, patterning and typifications. Unless one believes that there is some definitively true order in the world which is transparently revealed to human beings and unproblematically expressed in their culture, this activity of ordering, including the use of stereotypes, becomes a necessity. It is indeed inescapable.
This is a part of the way societies make sense of themselves, and hence actually make and reproduce themselves. All such orderings are partial and limited, but do not mean untrue. Partial knowledge is not false knowledge. It is simply not absolute knowledge. However, there are two problems about stereotypes within this perspective. First is the buzzing confusion of reality. This is accompanied by a belief in the absoluteness of a particular order. It is a refusal to recognize its limitations and partiality, its relativity and changeability. Secondly, it is not only a product of history, but also reflected in the power relations within that society. Stereotypes are imposed by the stronger on society and the order is grounded in social power. The western notion of stereotypes is often considered as a short cut, points to the manner in which stereotypes are a very simple, striking, easily grasped form of representation. Nonetheless, such a notion is less capable of condensing a great deal of complex information and connections. Often, the observed simplicity of stereotypes is deceptive.
Stereotypes are described as ___ of people.
