In the last blog we talked about the definition of stereotypes, however today I will explain what prejudices, stereotypes, and stigmas are. Stereotypes as previously seen are beliefs, values, and assumptions that can be both negative and positive and are assigned to members of the same group, based on incomplete information that generalizes the characteristics of some individuals. On the other hand, prejudices are beliefs that are learned, these can also affect positively or negatively. Prejudice can be directed towards an individual subject or group without having a real reason. They are not necessarily opinions that everyone in society shares. and finally, the stigmata. Stigmas are culturally established slanders, that usually negatively affect a person or a group of people who have different physical or symbolic characteristics.
Stigma can come in two forms, public stigma, and self-stigma. The public stigma generated by stereotypes is negative beliefs about a group, characteristics such as incompetence and lack of a will can be found. The self-stigma generated by stereotypes are negative beliefs about oneself, creating mental barriers that do not allow progress as an individual. On the other hand, the public stigma generated by prejudices are beliefs or emotional reactions that society imposes, judging people for having feelings such as fear, anger, etc. The self-esteem that prejudices generate are equally emotional beliefs that the same individual generates for her person, they create low self-esteem, mistrust, and shame, feelings generated by oneself.
All these problems create rejection and discrimination in society. Not only from a group of people for an individual or group, but the very discrimination that is generated in oneself with negative thoughts and the pressure of society. We must learn to recognize these weaknesses in order to generate what we call peace of mind.
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