Throughout human history, societies have divided members into varying groups based on stereotypes-- using simplified images to bring special meaning to traits held in common by members of each group. These stereotypes are usually learned behavior and are spoon-fed to families and communities as they are passed down from one generation to the next. However, each individual must make the personal choice whether or not to incorporate these impressions into their own belief system.
Stereotypes are more often negative than positive and are not always based on fact, but rather on perceptions and illusions. Illusions, on the other hand, are a form of deception, seen as something objectively existing in such a way as to cause misinterpretation of its actual nature. As a result, illusions can generate a sense of mystery, excitement, and anticipation for the people who harbor them.
Unlike stereotypes, illusions are created or interpreted by the limits of our own imagination, and we choose whether or not to become swayed by our fantasies.
Antisemitic caricature shortly after the big bang ...
Français : Inauguration de la rue Gaston-Gallimar...
Français : Siège de la NRF, éditions Gallimard,...Stereotyping can in some cases create illusions, as is the case in M. Butterfly, where Gallimard was blinded by his Western male fantasies about the submissive nature and tendencies of Asian women.(Stratton Pg1)
Most people probably like to think of themselves as being impartial, unaffected by the conventionalized ideas that make up many of the stereotypes they see around
Fleck 2
them. However, stereotypical thinking plays a very powerful role in our perceptions and dealings with people of other cultures--even more so, perhaps, than we care to admit. Maybe stereotypes are so persistent because they prove useful, providing shortcuts to our thinking in areas where we are unsure of ourselves, or skeptical about how we should think concerning a given situation.
Stereotypes occasionally creep into our lives in unexpected ways, and are even...