Stereotypes – the veiled force lurking in our subconscious mind, shaping our beliefs and influencing our thoughts – lay the groundwork of our society.
The little child holds a conventional image of what her parents consider ‘danger’ to be. As she grows into a teenager, she chooses her friends based on her conception of a stereotypical social group. By the time she is an adult, it takes an effortless second for her to jump to a conclusion based solely on appearance.
As individuals, not only are we quick to make decisions and form opinions but are also ourselves subjected to such thinking.
Women absolutely adore the kitchen; men are fanatical about cars and all things technology and readers are the definition of nerds – the list never seems to end.
These stereotypes have been fed to us, they have grown stronger with the passage of time and now form the basis of our thinking. They are not supported by any logical reasoning, but are simply automatic suggestions we accept to be true.
Primarily, our close relations – family and friends- play an important role in building these stereotypes. However, in the present times, movies and social media have just as much influence over forming our first impressions.
Social media perpetuates unhealthy stereotypes. The ‘perfect’ bodies and the ideal lives we catch glimpses of on these platforms, sow the seeds of self-doubt in our minds. Sharing a post on Instagram is accompanied by anxiety brought about by the ‘likes’ and comments you receive.
In the long run, these stereotypes have a detrimental effect on our self-worth and mental health. This further strengthens the need to break these barriers and move ahead, unhindered.
The teenager should not look in the mirror and see her flaws. The little girl should not believe herself to be incapable of what boys can achieve. The grandmother should not limit her granddaughter to household chores.
It is our duty to look for the reality concealed behind the stereotypes, to break free of these binding chains.
Only then, do we evolve – as an individual and as a society.
– Anoushka Chopra
