Stereotypes and Countertypes

Definitions

Stereotype- A standardised often simplified, mental picture or attitude that is held in common by members of a group.

Countertype-A positive stereotype and emphasises the positive features about a person.

Stereotypes
potentially highly dangerous but stereotyping itself can be impossible to avoid.
categorising people, Workaholic, feminist etc.
Judging people.
Prototype can be considered as a typical judgement of somebody.

4 types of a media stereotype:
1.Appearance- Physical appearance and clothing as well as the sound of their voice
2.Behaviour- Typical things that people in this group might do. "Grannies like to knit"
3. The stereotype is constructed in ways that fit the particular medium
4.There will always be comparison whether real or imaginary with "normal behaviour"

The first 2 are the same when we make our stereotypes, involves us thinking of something that may be true.

The third one can be see as watching a film e.g. silence of the lambs, then look at the tabloid coverage of Fred West, you are seen as a stereotype (the typical serial killer).

The fourth one can be everyday behaviour. Can be seen as saying, " this group is different because"

Countertypes

The film independence day can be seen as a film that is to do with countertypes because the character played by Will Smith is positive and seen as a hero whereas most stereotypes would see black people being trouble to society. Another film that is called Mars Attack is similar because there is a black hero in that.

But even though a countertype is a positive stereotype, they are still seen as stereotypical and this exists with most of the black Americans which many black people can find annoying. 

The film producers possibly made the heroes black because they were very negative of stereotypical people therefore they made the black people the good people and that black people are not bad at all.

stereotypes are very difficult to avoid because it is just human nature.  Such as humans just get an interpretation of people, countertypes can be avoidable but stereotypes are not just because of human nature.