The Threat

Stereotypes are everywhere. People are constantly gauged and judged in society in the quickest ways possible that require little effort. Instead of thinking for themselves and taking time to develop their own attitudes through interaction, members of society have become socialized to act entirely on the attitudes they see in our media. The media promotes negative stereotypes with its discourse that upholds a culture where minorities are ridiculed and disregarded. For example, the media continues portraying various minorities as criminals, poor, and violent people that are not seen as desirable members of our society. This often puts members of these minority groups under a predicament before they could even act

This unpleasant social status can cause members of stereotyped groups to endorse these stereotypes themselves. Having to constantly confront these stereotypes beings to threaten their cognitive thinking. For example some children of minorities in schools are stereotyped as having a low-ability to learn and thrive as students causing them to lose motivation to learn. This is a result of facing mental stress as you’re being challenged by a stereotype, you’re putting more effort into your behavioral and emotional regulation than into the tests your taking.

The stress, anxiety, paranoia, and helplessness caused by stereotypes have also been shown to deteriorate the health of minority groups. Studies have shown that minorities under stereotypes are more likely to experience depression, attempt suicide, and be more susceptible to various diseases. As their constantly defending themselves from an appearance being thrown on them,.

The media’s power over our lives isn’t going to disappear, but its influence can be changed. The current influence is causing minorities to experience these cruel challenges. In order to change this mentality of accepting the media’s discourse is to become a better receptor of it. People must challenge every opinion the media fosters using better analysis.