Learning to look closely

We are no strangers to the word stereotype. In fact, some of us might indeed be surprised to learn that we subscribe to stereotypes about the concept of stereotypes itself. 

I certainly was!

In an attempt to understand stereotypes, prejudices and how they pose a threat to peace, the Team Hope of the Red Elephant Foundation : Building Peace Project has been having a dynamic Global Conversation with participants from all walks of life sharing their thoughts, opinions and experiences on gender, religion, nationalities etc.

  

Ever heard the phrase, ‘Women are from Venus and Men are from Mars?’ Or seen these symbols? Guess what? Yes that’s right, classic examples of gender stereotypes.

I've been noticing stereotypical images like these and more everywhere, especially since the illuminating discussion we had. The purpose varies from source to source but the end result is the same, a simplified and standardized conception or image invested with special meaning held in common by the members of a group. 

This led me to the realization that as viewers/consumers we tend to accept a lot of information secondhand.

So many of our stereotypes emerge from hearsay, books, movies and jokes. In fact, they are so common that you could pick one prompt out of three and it is likely to be a play on stereotypes.

The media is a big culprit in this scenario. The profit making outlook that governs so many information disseminating institutions is no doubt responsible for the skewed and populist representations in their content. Add to that various other factors like policies and pressure groups and you get a vicious circle.  

One way to break through, which I learned as a consequence of this conversation, was to examine the information presented to us closely. I had long held the misconception that 'Jihad' in the Islamic religion is akin to a 'holy war'. Indeed it is not true. Jihad has nothing whatsoever to do with violence. It is in fact a term used to describe the process of self improvement that followers of Islam engage in, as individuals and as a community. 

Also, I learned that also stereotype individuals, cultures and communities based on personal experience. While it is difficult to come to a general solution for such instances, I'd like to go back to the old school time adage, 'Look before you leap.' 

We are all human and in this together! A little sensitivity, empathy and mindfulness as individuals before we arrive to a certain unshakable conclusion goes a long way in dissipating stereotypes and ultimately harboring peace. And I for one am looking forward to realizing what I've just written as a member of Team Hope!