The Problem
In today's fast-paced society, we think and speak quickly. It has become common for people to form assumptions and develop misconceptions
about others before receiving accurate information. In many of our peer groups, we use stereotypes to describe people, objects, and circumstances. SOS, although acknowledging frustration towards all stereotypes, was particularly bothered by the way people use terms that were once medical, like the word "dumb" which was used as a synonymous term for "mute," to apply a negative meaning to people, places,
ideas, and objects (Creighton).
Additionally, assuming that all people with special needs are incapable of all the same tasks, speak the same way, and comprehend information the same way is a form of stereotyping and is hurtful. Because people begin to assume and believe in these false stereotypical reasoning, essentially, a shoulder is being turned towards those who feel oppressed by these assumptions. SOS strives to break the barrier of stereotypes in general, but more specifically the stereotypes that target people with special needs. In order to effectuate this goal, SOS tackles the stereotypes, shares knowledge regarding special needs, and encourages others to "just think about it."
about others before receiving accurate information. In many of our peer groups, we use stereotypes to describe people, objects, and circumstances. SOS, although acknowledging frustration towards all stereotypes, was particularly bothered by the way people use terms that were once medical, like the word "dumb" which was used as a synonymous term for "mute," to apply a negative meaning to people, places,
ideas, and objects (Creighton).
Additionally, assuming that all people with special needs are incapable of all the same tasks, speak the same way, and comprehend information the same way is a form of stereotyping and is hurtful. Because people begin to assume and believe in these false stereotypical reasoning, essentially, a shoulder is being turned towards those who feel oppressed by these assumptions. SOS strives to break the barrier of stereotypes in general, but more specifically the stereotypes that target people with special needs. In order to effectuate this goal, SOS tackles the stereotypes, shares knowledge regarding special needs, and encourages others to "just think about it."
What is Stereotyping? What are Special Needs?
A stereotype is "a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing" (Oxford Dictionary).
Special needs are "the individual requirements (as for education) of a person with a disadvantaged background or a mental, emotional, or physical disability or a high risk of developing one" (Merriam-Webster).
Special needs are "the individual requirements (as for education) of a person with a disadvantaged background or a mental, emotional, or physical disability or a high risk of developing one" (Merriam-Webster).
Effects of Stereotyping
While SOS focuses mainly on stereotypes that target special needs, it recognizes that people all over the world are affected by other stereotypes. Remembering that anyone being stereotyped could have been any of us forces us to think about what we say, and hopefully spread the word to others around us. Stereotyping has had a large role in the shaping of today's world through its negative repercussions. It has caused raging wars, unsettled international, national, and local disputes, and has been a key source of acts of violence around the world. No matter which groups it targets, stereotyping can have long-term, irreversible effects:
A study conducted by the University of Toronto Scarborough revealed that "even after a person leaves a situation where they faced negative stereotypes, the effects of coping with that situation remain, [and] people are more likely to be aggressive after they’ve faced prejudice in a given situation. They are more likely to exhibit a lack of self control. They have trouble making good, rational decisions" (Nauert).
Another study conducted by Dr. Claude Steele of Stanford University indicated that "if enough cues in a setting can lead members of a group to feel 'identity safe,' it might also neutralize the impact of other cues in a setting that could otherwise threaten them" (Challenges in Diversity). This means that if enough people can make small changes in the way they treat other people through their words, they can perpetuate larger changes that will result freedom from stereotypes and other generalizations.
Additional research demonstrates how stereotyping can affect students and learning. Robert Rydell from Indiana University completed a study that showed how girls subjected to negative stereotypes about women and mathematics demonstrated more difficulty on learning tasks than the control group (Rydell).
A study conducted by the University of Toronto Scarborough revealed that "even after a person leaves a situation where they faced negative stereotypes, the effects of coping with that situation remain, [and] people are more likely to be aggressive after they’ve faced prejudice in a given situation. They are more likely to exhibit a lack of self control. They have trouble making good, rational decisions" (Nauert).
Another study conducted by Dr. Claude Steele of Stanford University indicated that "if enough cues in a setting can lead members of a group to feel 'identity safe,' it might also neutralize the impact of other cues in a setting that could otherwise threaten them" (Challenges in Diversity). This means that if enough people can make small changes in the way they treat other people through their words, they can perpetuate larger changes that will result freedom from stereotypes and other generalizations.
Additional research demonstrates how stereotyping can affect students and learning. Robert Rydell from Indiana University completed a study that showed how girls subjected to negative stereotypes about women and mathematics demonstrated more difficulty on learning tasks than the control group (Rydell).
Local and Global Impacts
The core mission of this project is to encourage people to treat others with respect. It begins with students choosing words carefully to avoid injury through stereotyping, but it can grow from there. Through contagious diffusion, the comparatively small Austin High community can expand to include families, neighborhoods, cities, states, and other nations. Perhaps we could begin to see fewer racial and ethnic tensions in Texas. Perhaps international conflicts could be avoided. If our ideas grow from a local level to an international presence, those small changes can form the catalyst for enormous impact.