These days it seems like everything is being stereotyped from jobs, religions, beliefs ethnicity etc. There are advantages and disadvantages of stereotyping; the only advantage is that allows classification however there is an endless list of the disadvantages of stereotyping.

The most prevalent sector which is stereotyped is religion, as it is generally believed that everyone following a specific religion should act the same. This of course is not true as many people belong to a particular religious group but do not practice it. The most common example is the newly stereotyped image of Islam all over the world. There is an accepted belief that all Muslims are terrorists or have a tendency to fight as it is believed that fighting is embedded in their religion. This is not true, but this concept has spread so far that people have been forced to believe it, so much that some muslims see themselves are naturally inclined to fight, which they then do.

Hence stereotyping is a vicious cycle as the person being stereotyped eventually starts acting the way people expect him to act further strengthening the accuser’s belief. Nothing good has come out of stereotyping Muslims, much as been lost as many students have been refused entry into the US and other western countries, hampering their development. Others have been laid off from jobs or have had their career paths blocked because of their religious beliefs, deepening the anger Muslims have against the west resulting in more violent behavior. How did this classification start one may ask, well it had started some time ago but became more prevalent after September 11 when a Muslims group “al Qaeda” too responsibility for the attacks on the twin towers.

Not all stereotypes are based on false beliefs, for example in the case of the image people generally have of lawyers; it is generally believed that lawyers are good liars. This of course is not all false as some lawyers have to lie; it is part of their job, it can be a huge lie or a small lie, it may be told to defend an innocent victim or to save a guilty one, whatever the case, lies are told very often by lawyers. Hence this stereotype is actually true however it too has its draw backs; as once being labeled as a good liar, it becomes difficult to convince others of ones integrity and faithfulness, this label may be advantageous in the professional field but has detrimental effects in the personal field.

Stereotyping should not be encouraged; especially in this day and age where diversity and change is a worldwide phenomenon, every person is different from the other even though they may belong to the same house, faith and belief. Labeling limits development and has a tendency to bring out negative feelings. Whereas it is understood the general need to classify things is prevalent in every person, it is also important to remember to not be judgmental as there is always much more to a picture than it seems.