Stereotype

From Robin's SM-201 Website
Jump to navigation Jump to search

A stereotype is a type of logical oversimplification in which all the members of a class or set are considered to be definable by an easily distinguishable set of characteristics. The term is often used with a negative connotation, as stereotypes can be used to deny individuals respect or legitimacy based on their membership in a particular group. In America, the term has long been associated with the Civil Rights movement and is imbued with a semblance of racial context.

The corresponding adjective is stereotypical.

Stereotypes in art and literature

While stereotypes are often frowned upon in real life, they are important to know for anyone who does creative work. All media of art (such as literature (fiction), film, comic strips or even fine art) make heavy use of stereotypes when it comes to defining and detailing characters. For example, there are stereotypes associated with gender, age, culture, subculture, ethnicity, profession, and physical appearance. A popular device in character design is to have a character fulfill, say, 95% of some classical stereotype, and add 5% of something that breaks the stereotype, or gives it a little twist. This makes the character both believable and interesting. If an artist tried to come up with a character that is so unique it does not meet any stereotype whatsoever, the audience would not find any access to such a character.

This approach regarding stereotypes is found in spanking art, literature, films and roleplay scenarios. A spanker character may be based on the stereotype of a strict headmaster, parent or governess with an old-fashioned belief in traditional methods of corporal punishment, while a spankee character may embody the stereotype of a child (or childish adult) who gets into trouble due to immaturity, poor judgement, or the temptations of disobedience. The majority of whips-and-chains BDSM videos employ the same stereotypical dominatrix and slave characters as well as a standard torture dungeon setting.

See also

Chain-09.png
Jump to: Main PageMicropediaMacropediaIconsTime LineHistoryLife LessonsLinksHelp
Chat roomsWhat links hereCopyright infoContact informationCategory:Root