Stereotypes and Their Effects Essay Example for Free

Stereotypes and Their Effects Essay There are positive and negative stereotypes, which are general impressions about particular social groups or race. People judge and discriminate people, thus, failing to know the real attributes or character of the stereotyped group. Negative stereotypes, like Asian women, are aggressive sexual beings. These result in a negative image, pressures in conformity, and cross-cultural misinterpretations of issues (2008). Western films and literature promoted the above mentioned image of Asian women, portrayed as â€Å"Geishas†, war brides, or even prostitutes. This portrayal as sex objects has adversely affected the womens image even if they are raised by decent and rich families. These women have also attended prestigious schools, with a slim chance of receiving equal treatment with the Western women. Asian women are perceived as mail-order brides and objects of pornography. In addition to this, the stereotype has been gaining grounds due to the widespread pornography, especially through the internet. This exploitation of women has contributed to the demeaning of the womens status in society. Movies present women in a manner wherein the Caucasians overpower the Asians. These portrayals continue to degrade the intellectual capabilities of Asian women. They are considered as mere sexual beings even if the majority lived decent lives, acquiring higher education in prestigious schools. They even adapted Western influences through their academic and social environments. These negative stereotypes resulted in associating Asian women as sexual objects. Such developed into a continuous struggle for Asian women to redeem themselves. These women, unknown to many, have surpassed the intellectual capabilities of other men their age. Others have unknowingly contributed to the technological advances, and in the promotion of education in their country. No matter how hard these women try to fit in the competitive society, they are still perceived as inferior to Western people. Works Cited â€Å"Definition of Stereotypes†. About. com: Race Relations. 24 March 2008. http://racerelations. about. com/od/stereotypesmentalmodels/g/stereotypes. htm â€Å"Stereotypes of Asians†. BookRags. 24 March 2008.