Current Forum: Session 1: Images and Representation	Read 10 times 	
Date: 15-Jan-2001 23:22:02	
Author: CASHIN, KATHRYN K. <kkc2311@mailer.fsu.edu>	
Subject: Stereotypes 	
 [Remove]	
		
       Since the use of stereotypes by human beings seems to be universal, it appears that they are inevitable and, byextension, necessary. Lippmann notes that we use stereotypes to help us filter out unusual aspects of other cultures or people.  He argues that we do this because it allows us to be more efficient and frees us to be productivein more vital areas. According to Lippmann, we do thisby noticing a "trait which marks a well known type, and fill
in the rest of the picture by means of stereotypes we carry about in our heads." 
       Cultures even make it easier for their constituents by telling them in advance what to expect from certain types of people.  Again, this is necessary to increase efficiency and to avoid
costly sidetracks. Lippmann supports the notion that stereotypes are necessary by noting that "there are uniformities sufficiently accurate, and the need of economizing attention
is so inevitable, that the abandonment of all stereotypes for a wholly innocent approach to experience would impoverish human life."  But Lippmann also cautions that "What matters is the
character of the stereotypes, and the gullibility with which we employ them." This is perhaps where the necessity of stereotypes takes on a more sinister quality. By reinforcing negative stereotypes of certain groups of people, those in what Marx would call "the ruling class" can use these stereotypes for their benefit. Of course there are countless examples of this in human history, but what springs to my mind is Hitler's use of negative stereotypes of Jewsto justify his final solution; white Americans stereotyping blacks as inferior to keep them impoverished and
disenfranchised; and so forth.
       Since stereotypes are widely used, they are prevalent in allmedia. Kolker argues that movies perpetuate these stereotypesstating that "Stereotypes, the expected character, the unsurprising story, the hoped-for conclusion, the invisible style are all part of our contract with the movies, what their makers believe we demand of them."  The Battle at Elderbrush

Gulch is no exception. The Indians (Native Americans) are depicted as savages (who even eat puppies), thus justifying the white settlers' brutality. The movie, by portraying the Indians in this manner, draw attention away from the fact that the white settlers violently displaced these people in the first place. Instead, as Kolker notes, we have the hoped-for conclusion that reassures the audience. For audiences viewing the movie in the early 1900's, the movie must have seemedrealistic based on the readily acceptable stereotypes of Indians.
       By appearing realistic, Kolker notes that people feel secure. Perpetuating culture myths that reinforce stereotypes, therefore, gives people a feeling of security.  So, in conclusion, stereotypes appear inevitable and necessary because they increase efficiency while providing reassurance. Movies, since many have the hoped-for ending and thus reassure the audience, reinforce stereotypes.