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IWW
Practice-W Exercise Archives
Exercise: Stereotypes (Version 3)
These exercises were written
by IWW members
and administrators to provide structured practice opportunities for its
members.
You are welcome to use them for practice as well. Please mention that
you found
them at the Internet Writers Workshop
(http://www.internetwritingwor
kshop.org/).
Prepared
by: Patricia Johnson , as "True to type?"
Posted on: 17 Jun 2001
Reposted on: 7 Jul 2002
Reposted on: 22 Jun 2003
Reposted on: 24 Apr 2005
Reposted, Revised on: 30 Jul 2006
Reposted on 24 Feb 2008
Reposted on 26 Jul 2015
Reposted on 26 Jul 2020
Reposted on 31 Jul 2022
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Exercise: In 400 words or less, write a scene in which a character sees
another as a
stereotype. Make that character realize the error when the true nature
of the person
judged unfolds.
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People naturally categorize people, places, things and events in their
minds. This
helps us organize, remember, and make use of our experience. We all
develop rules
to help us react rapidly when we need to. A flashing red light means
danger; we
know that, so we can react instantly, almost without thought.
But applying labels to people and expecting certain behaviors without
considering
their individual characteristics can produce tragedy or injustice.
Stereotyping can
affect our level of trust in a person. Many stereotypes are negative;
they can lead to
assumptions and misconceptions that are unfair or simply inaccurate.
This kind of
mistake often happens when people are judged on the basis of race, sex,
religion, or
some other characteristic shared by a large group, rather than on their
own
behavior.
A good example of a stereotype is Boo Radley in the novel *To Kill a
Mockingbird*.
Scout and her brother have built up a particular idea of him from his
appearance
and gossip they have heard. His true nature is revealed when he rescues
Scout and
becomes a family friend and quiet hero. Incidents in which timid women
turn out to
be brave, or braggarts fail to make good on their promises, are common
in literature.
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In your critiques, note the effectiveness of the stereotype developed,
and comment on
the writer's success in
showing the required reversal. Consider, as
always, the setting
and the quality of
the writing.
Web site created by
Rhéal Nadeau and
the administrators of the Internet Writing Workshop.
Modified by Gayle Surrette.
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