How Stereotypes Shape Communication

Chapter 3 of Intercultural Communication for Everyday Life explains how stereotypes shape the way we interact with people from different backgrounds. In the text it is pointed out that stereotypes are often based on incomplete or misleading information, yet they still influence our views and interactions. Even though they might seem like harmless generalizations, they can lead to misunderstandings and reinforce negative assumptions.

One of the biggest places we see this is in the media. Hollywood has been criticized for how it portrays different cultures, especially Middle Eastern people, who are often shown as terrorists or threats. This kind of stereotype can affect how people see an entire group. A study by Shaheen (2001) found that most Hollywood films portray Arabs as villains, which reinforces negative ideas. Baldwin et al. (2023) also argue that media plays a huge role in shaping how we understand different cultures.

I’ve noticed this a lot in some of my favorite shows, like FBI and Chicago PD, where Middle Eastern characters are often shown as the bad guys. I enjoy these shows, but once I started paying attention, it became obvious how often they rely on the same stereotypes. It made me think about how media influences our views without us even realizing it.

Going forward, I want to be more aware of the stereotypes I might not even realize I have and challenge them by paying attention to different perspectives. Whether it’s through media, conversations, or just keeping an open mind, I know that questioning these ideas will help me communicate better and build stronger connections with people from different backgrounds.

Reference

Hollywood’s Bad Arabs by Jack G. Shaheen