A stereotype is an ideological expectation of certain types or categories of people relating to their personalities, race, how they act etc. etc.
In everyday life we place people into catergories or stereotype relating to media concepts, for example we may think pretty girls are naturally horrible or people who like maths are nerds. Some stereotypes can be based on negative views and some are based on good intentions.
There are 5 assumptions about this theory and stereotypes;
- Stereotypes are not always negative
- They are not always about minority groups or the less powerful
- They can be held about one's own group
- They are not rigid or unchanging
- They aren't always false
Not always negative
People assume that stereotypes are negative e.g youths in hoodies are seen as troublesome however youths can also be seen as positive because students can achieve good grades and are seen in a positive light.
They are not always about minority groups or the less powerful
People assume that stereotypes are negative e.g youths in hoodies are seen as troublesome however youths can also be seen as positive because students can achieve good grades and are seen in a positive light.
They are not always about minority groups or the less powerful
They can be held about ones own group
For example collectively as a representation of people we are based as a group within Wyke College, with in our group we are stereotyped. We stereotype based on our assumptions. This makes each of us feel part of the larger community.
They are not rigid or unchanging
Once a stereotype has been created it is very hard to change however Perkins states that over a period of time, that it can change and develop an example of this would be Miley Cyrus or Britney Spears.
Implications of stereotypes
Stereotypes are always erroneous in content and they are usually negative concepts however they do have some aspects of the truth to them.
How does this theory apply to my chosen music band?
Every music artist or band has a stereotype/reputation based on how they appear to the audience which is based on looks and actions. This influences the audience's interpretations of the singers/bands over time.
The stereotype of my chosen band
Greenday has the representation of an emo/ indie rock music band. They present themselves as a band that write their own indie rock genre songs which most people connote indie rock with death or depressing issues. However Greenday's main singer Billie Armstrong writes all of his songs based on things that have happened to him or problems/impacts that affect people in everyday life. if you read the lyrics to the songs we can see the links to what each song is about. For example the song I have chosen to analyse 'Wake me up when September ends' is about the death of the main singers father.
Other band's/singer's that link to Greenday due to stereotypes
Other bands that link to Greenday through stereotypes are bands such as; Evanescence, Fall out boy, Simple plan, Linkin park, My chemical romance, All time low, Blink 182, Avril Lavigne and The red hot chilli peppers. Each of these bands share similar stereotypes of producing 'emo music' are known for influencing teenagers to listen to indie, rock music and dressing in an emo or goth way. However most of the songs written by these bands or singers are based on the life decisions or problems that appeal to the target audience because they find the sing lyrics relatable.
How my chosen Band act as positive role models
Greenday act to suit their genre of music, however they do not in any of their songs or interviews say that people have to act like them. The songs they produce/write do not entice or tell people to smoke pot or take drugs like The Beatles did in the 60's with their song ' I am the Walrus', The lyrics to Greenday songs are often inspirational or relatable for the audience.
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