It’s a familiar pattern: A serious issue arises, this time, concerning public safety and a female doctor, but rather than focusing on the core problem and seeking solutions, the conversation quickly shifts in different directions. Before long, the discussion moves away from the actual incident and turns into a debate over who is right, who is wrong, and broad generalisations about entire groups of people.
Sometimes, we overlook the fact that these distractions don’t always occur by chance. Public discussions can naturally deviate into less productive topics, and at times, it might feel like there is a deliberate effort to redirect attention away from the real issue. Regardless of the reason, the outcome is often the same: Lots of debate with little actual progress.
Last week, we observed that many discussions were influenced more by stereotypes than by thoughtful analysis. On social media, rather than engaging in meaningful conversations, many individuals simply clung to their own beliefs, blaming entire groups such as professions, genders, or communities, without considering the true complexity of the situation.
The way society thinks
This kind of thinking is a classic example of stereotypical thinking – the tendency to oversimplify complex issues by assigning fixed characteristics to entire groups of people, often without considering individual differences or real-world nuances. It’s a habit that can twist how we see things, reinforce biases, and stop real conversations from happening.
Take, for example, how people perceive certain professions. There’s the long-standing belief that all doctors are miracle workers, placing them on a pedestal where they can do no wrong – until something goes wrong, at which point the same people are quick to paint them as villains. Then, there’s the assumption that anyone with a military background is aggressive or dangerous, ignoring the countless individuals who lead disciplined, honourable lives after their service.
And, of course, the most damaging stereotypes extend beyond professions. When a crime occurs, especially against women, there is still a tendency in some circles to suggest that ‘she must have asked for it’ or ‘she must have been careless’. This mindset shifts the blame from the perpetrator to the victim, reinforcing harmful attitudes instead of addressing the real issues of safety and justice.
A complex issue
Stereotypical thinking affects more than just public debates. It impacts how we view mental health, relationships, parenting, or even personal wellbeing. These simple, fixed beliefs can create pressure, reinforce stigma, and stop people from making informed choices that are best for them.
Take mental health, for example. The stereotype that only ‘weak’ people struggle with mental health issues discourages many from seeking help, leading to silent suffering rather than recovery. Men, in particular, often face societal expectations to ‘man it out’, while women battling mental health issues are sometimes dismissed as ‘too emotional’. These outdated ideas stop people from recognising their struggles and asking for help.
Parenting is another area heavily influenced by stereotypes. The idea that ‘a good mother sacrifices everything for her children’ can lead to burnout and guilt for mothers who try to balance their own needs with those of their family. Fathers, on the other hand, are often reduced to the outdated belief that they should just ‘provide’ and not be emotionally involved. These rigid expectations don’t just affect parents – they shape the emotional environment children grow up in, often passing the same burdens onto the next generation.
Even personal relationships and intimacy aren’t free from this. There’s a common belief that ‘good sex’ should look a certain way, creating unrealistic expectations and dissatisfaction. The idea that men should always take the lead and women should be passive or that long-term couples always lose their spark causes frustration. Rather than encouraging open communication and understanding, these stereotypes impose false rules that don’t match the true nature of relationships.
In the end, these deep-rooted beliefs shape how we live – often without us even realising it. Breaking free isn’t just about better conversations; it’s about giving people the freedom to grow and thrive without limiting expectations.
Can stereotypical thinking be corrected?
Yes, stereotypical thinking can be corrected, but it requires effort. People need to question generalisations, seek diverse viewpoints, and think critically rather than rely on assumptions. Changing this mindset starts with individuals but affects society as a whole.
If left unchecked, stereotypes can harm society. They divide people, create discrimination, and spread misinformation. This leads to poor decisions, like ignoring mental health or making policies based on myths.
Stereotypes also harm mental health and self-esteem. Those who don’t fit rigid roles, like men showing emotions or women in leadership, feel pressured to conform. In extreme cases, stereotypes can justify violence and blame victims.
Stereotypes also slow social progress by holding onto outdated roles. To break free, we need education, exposure to diversity, critical thinking, and media as well as social media literacy. In the digital age, it’s important to recognise how algorithms and the spread of misinformation fuel stereotypical thinking. Social media algorithms, designed to boost engagement, often create echo chambers that reinforce existing biases and primarily expose users to information that supports their stereotypes.
Dealing with stereotypes
Even if we work to change our own thinking, we still face stereotypes from others. Whether about our career, gender, background, or personality, these assumptions can be limiting and harmful.
The first step is not letting them define you. Just because someone believes something about you doesn’t make it true. Confidence in yourself helps you challenge unfair labels. Address stereotypes calmly when needed. Correcting someone with facts or personal experiences can sometimes change their view. But remember, not every situation needs a fight – sometimes it’s better to prove people wrong with your actions.
Having supportive people around helps too. When dealing with negative stereotypes, a strong support system keeps you grounded and reminds you that you’re more than the labels others try to impose.
Remember, change takes time. Challenging stereotypes is an ongoing process. By staying true to yourself, engaging in open conversations, and leading by example, you can help change perspectives, even if it doesn’t happen quickly. The first step towards changing society is to change the fixed mindset within yourself.
(The writer is a mental health professional and has, over the past 11 years, contributed to several Sri Lankan media publications in both English and Sinhala languages, focusing on topics related to psychology and counselling)