Psychology

The two terms prototype (as formulated by Eleanor Rosch) and stereotype (as formulated by Hilary Putnam) are two immensely vast areas in cognitive psychology.   These two semantic-based cognitive linguistic theories, although inter exchangeably used, are very different and distinct from one another.  A Prototype essentially is the archetype or the original model after which other similar collateral items are developed.  Out of a single prototype are born many members or stereotypes and one actually never comes across anything identical to their prototype.  (As cited in chapter 2, Semantics a course book, 2007)

Stereotyping, on the other hand is ones generalized concept of things that develop over the course of time and are resultant of ones environmental exposure and cultural interaction which has resulted of a particular list of typical characteristics that the item brings into mind once the word is uttered.  However, a prototype would always be the original unbiased entity whereas a stereotype is the result of overgeneralization of a particular group which is predominantly biased and can be negative in character.  Both the terms are related to one another and can be explained by the example of the word elephant.  When we talk about the prototype of elephant it would essentially be the elephant itself.  However, when stereotyped, elephant would be associated with attributes like large, grey, big ears, deaf, thick-skinned etc. (As cited in chapter 3, Semantics a course book, 2007)

There are numerous instances of our stereotypes going awry and leading to situations where one has undermined the essential capabilities and personality of certain people, things etc.  I would like to highlight this fact by an incident that changed my perception of the gypsies.  Having grown up in an environment that has constantly prejudiced and chided the Gypsy community for their vices, I, for one also unknowingly developed a set of preconceived generalized notionsattributes about the people without actually acknowledging the prototype of gypsy.  My sense of fear of mingling or developing any verbal contact with them was a result of my stereotypical and superficial knowledge of gypsies of being poor, uneducated and lazy with criminal tendencies.  I grew up associating gypsies with theft, pick pocketing, crime, prostitution, distrust and beggary.  These features become synonymous to the entire community, although there were gypsies who were trying to break out of the mould.  However, we must make way for exceptions to our negative stereotypes or mismemory and come up with a more realistic approach towards our wrong preconceived notions.  The mainstream media have played a crucial, negative role in perpetuating the stereotypes of the gypsies which have resulted in fear, hatred and ethnic racism against them.

However, it has become exceedingly difficult to think of prototypes, as we end up associating it with various features that we deem appropriate and end up with stereotypes, which may either be negative or positive, good or bad but not the original thing.  We start generalizing and forming conceptions (or misconceptions) once a prototype is formed and subsequently forget the original idea.

However, in order to avoid negative stereotypes, we must not indulge in over-generalization and polarized thinking.  One must try to achieve a balance i.e. explore the positive and negative aspects for a holistic view.  This will reduce stereotyping and we will be much closer to a more realistic view.  However, in our daily activities, stereotypes making cognition a simpler process, as the information is easier to access and we can respond much faster as attributes to stereotypes are deeply manifested within our minds, unlike a prototype.  It is important to achieve this balance in sensitive issues where we may unknowingly categorize a whole group as negative hence we must try to reduce negativity in order to come closer to the prototype.  Furthermore, the role of the media is also instrumental in creating false stereotypes and is pulling us away from the reality (prototype) to something that is self-created and biased (stereotypical).  Certain measures for containing media slander against a particular racecommunitygroup should be advocated, as sensationalism has a higher impact on minds. It therefore becomes pertinent for us to gain more meaningful knowledge of aspects that have biased our judgments and come closer to the prototype. (As cited in Stereotype Accuracy Toward Appreciating Group Differences, 1995)