Stereotyping

Stereotyping is an interesting tool that all people use to process information quickly and make fast risk decisions. It is a very valuable tool that everyone uses on a daily basis. Unfortunately, stereotyping people can, and often is very unfair. You mention one having to prove them self more than ordinary due to a label being placed on them because of some preconceived notion. This is unfortunate but very necessary. Man has faced danger since the beginning of time. We instinctively make decisions based on fact or belief to mitigate certain risks and avoid danger to the best of our ability. While walking down the street, late at night, we somehow notice suspicious-looking people. What really makes this person look suspicious? It could be the way they dress, maybe the way they walk – anything in our mind that links them to a dangerous situation will help us to stereotype them in order to make a decision about our own safety. Unfortunately, majority of times our stereotypes are mostly wrong, or completely wrong. It’s been long debated whether or not stereotyping is acceptable or just a tool used by the ignorant to justify their own prejudices.

As an African-American male, I can say with confidence that I know a thing or two about being misjudged based on someone’s ridiculous stereotype. There are numerous ways in which these stereotypes manifest themselves in the workplace. One might deem you less educated/trained or lazy based on some fictional “past experience” which was most likely something they saw on TV or heard about from a friend. I believe the only way to correct this problem is to educate away the stereotypes. “Effective programs for tomorrow's leaders should disrupt stereotyping” (Vongalis-Macrow & Gallant, 2010, ¶. 4). Unfortunately, many will just believe you are the one exception to the rule.

Reference:

McShane, S. L., & Von Glinow, M. A. (2008). Organizational Behavior (4^th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.

Vongalis-Macrow, A. & Gallant, A. (2010). Female Leaders Are Still Stereotyped.  Retrieved January 28, 2011 from: http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/oct2010/ca20101012_599532.htm