Ethnic NewsWatch: COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY AT WORK: HOW STEREOTYPES AFFECT OUR OPINIONS OF OTHERS - Media Blog 8

COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY AT WORK: HOW STEREOTYPES AFFECT OUR OPINIONS OF OTHERS
Hispanic Times Magazine. Winchester: Nov 30, 1995. Vol. 16, Iss. 5; pg. 18

Abstract (Summary)
Every one of us, to a certain extent, believe some of the old gender stereotypes. Especially if stereotypes are viewed as descriptions of general behavior tendencies. Regardless of the significant progress in diversity issues being made throughout the workforce, stereotypes of some sort will always exist. The important thing to remember is that the simple presence of stereotypes is not the problem. The problem occurs when stereotypes are used, however subconsciously, to prejudge people's abilities and competence and develop unfair and incorrect expectations. When that happens, effective communication is jeopardized and thwarted.
The following simple yet meaningful exercise will help demonstrate the effect of seemingly innocent stereotypes on judgements of others. It will take only a few minutes, and there are no wrong answers. Very quickly, using your first impression, indicate beside each adjective below which sex the word best describes. Use "M" for Male, "F" for Female, and "B" for Both only if the word immediately brings to mind both men and women. Be honest and record your very first response! Entrepreneur, hiker, likes children, good cook, horseback rider, impatient, assertive, committed, scuba diver, funny, lifeguard, romantic, skydiver, too sensitive, intense, talkative, dynamic, independent, outspoken, logical, warm, emotional, critical, cheerful, intelligent, fussy, impetuous, persistent, nurturing, aggressive, daring, compassionate, intuitive, likes flowers, competitive, hates spiders, fashionable, competent, driven, gentle self-starter, football fan.
Stereotypes are just that...stereotypes. They are not dependable job performance indicators nor accurate descriptors of someone's complete personality. During communication, before responding to another's "stereotypical" behavior or comments, evaluating all the clues available offers several benefits. Searching for more of the whole picture will enhance communication to be more objective, meaningful, and productive.


read full article here http://0-proquest.umi.com.maurice.bgsu.edu/pqdweb?index=1&did=612310281&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1206605405&clientId=3340

I chose this article because I felt that it touched on a few things we have discussed in class lately based on different stereotypes we have towards each other and gender. Again I refer back to Wu and his article about being asian in america but this also relates somewhat with Kindred and the female character in that story how she wasnt just facing the racisms and sterotypes but also being a woman and what a woman was thought of as being during those times. I think the article was pretty much when it said we do have stereotypes unconciously but once you act on them then thats when the problem persists. Alot of my blogs were based primarily on stereotypes and how we see each other because I think that is what we discussed most in class this semester.