Stereotypes in Schools - Is it acceptable?

Why I hated music lessons in primary school
Section: News
By: SANTOKH SINGH
Publication: The New Paper 07/11/2006
Page: 3
No. of words: 411
Link: click here


This article talks about how the author hates music during primary school education as his music teacher labelled him "tone-deaf". The author then realised that how labels can impact an individual's development. He also noted that labels do crosses lines from an innocent remark to hurting one personally.So the question is, is stereotyping acceptable?

In RI's context, stereotypes exists even among the eye of the Public. Within its walls, this stereotypes are further split into different divisions, ranging from "muggers","gays" to "cool","slackers" . Stereotypes of a person is made based on his appearance, behaviour and class. Sometimes, stereotypes are things that bond people together. However, stereotypes may at times be a burden for one to bear.

Firstly, stereotypes draws a fine line between benefiting people and hurting people. What might seem to be a reasonable "label" at first may evolve into a tool of malice which may scar a person emotionally. For example, in RI, "muggers" are labelled this way due to their excellence in academic pursuits as they constantly produce good achievements in their subjects or CCAs.Initially, "muggers" means the cream of the crop who excels in studying. However, as time goes by, "muggers" have evolved to a label whereby "muggers have no life" and "being a mugger is bad". Just because one is jealous of their achievements or ones ambition in life differs from another, it does not give one the authority to undermine one's ability by labelling them in a bad way. Putting the psychological aspect into place, stereotypes will also be a deterrence to some from pursuing their dreams and go with the common public. "If failing is cool, I should too if i want to be cool."That will be their mindset.

Furthermore, stereotypes can cause widening gaps in schools, especially in a multi-racial society like Singapore, where people of different social and racial backgrounds gather under the same hall during assemblies. Most of us are familiar with the racist state of mind that are widespread throughout the school community.
Negative actions such as making racist jokes and taunting people of different skin colours are just few of the vast collection as a result of stereotypes. The consequences are large because racial tensions might lead to uproars and misunderstandings. Why do you think war torn nations are still struggling to fight on even if its developments is at stake? Deep rooted hate originates from small events. Rude comments towards the minority or foreigners may have huge consequences as it accumulates.

However, stereotypes are what fosters communities together. For example, the Malay students in school tend to stick together due to their common identity as being "Malay", which promotes positive relationships and understanding amongst the community.

However also, it will compromise the larger community as different communities which feel strongly about their shared values may rebut the other community, therefore leading to a conflict. If the Racist students gang up together against the minority races, it will ruin the school's reputation and its dynamics. Again stereotypes causes conflicts.

Stereotypes can help to improve community, foster friendship and understanding when used correctly. However, the lines can be crossed easily and stereotypes can lead to emotional scarring, conflict amongst communities and misunderstandings.

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