Stereotypes

The Biophilia Factor written by Lesia Winiarskyj clarifies why people stereotype. While the article refers specifically to animal stereotypes, the reasoning can be applied to all stereotypes. She presents E.O. Wilson's biophilia concept as the idea that humans have grown up with animals and have been both directly and indirectly affected by their natural environment. Wilson's interest in humans' relationships with animals and how humans strive to make sense of their surroundings by associating symbols with other living beings has sparked interest amongst scientists.

Dr. Lawrence of Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine suggests that a combination of 'politics, society, environment, culture and religion' influence how humans perceive animals' appearances and behaviors. Her story about the Capybaras supports her claims that humans see what they want and ignore what they want to justify their stereotypes and actions. Educators in other fields further explained this tendency as a coping mechanism used by humans. For example, if humans associated kind words with animals, it would be more difficult to kill them for food.

I found that latter explanation completely true. In fourth grade, our classroom had eggs in an incubator. When the chicks hatched, I thought - how cute. Some of the other children joked about eating them. I asked aloud, "Who would want to eat such an adorable animal?" One child responded to me, "When they grow up, they are not cute anymore." At sixteen, my parents sent me to Europe for the summer with an exchange program. In Germany and France, butcher shops hang animals in their windows. There is no mistaking which animal is which because they are not neatly packaged in plastic wrap like our grocery stores in America. Both experiences greatly influenced my eating decisions.

As pointed out in the article, humans are so far removed from nature and food sources that symbols are the only way they remain connected. However, symbols tend to become accepted as fact based on everything but personal experience so humans' views on animals are skewed. Dr. Lawrence recommends humane education be incorporated into character education programs as a tool in helping people become more engaged in exploring 'natural history and observable facts'. She attests that only then will humans develop empathy for animals.

Before reading the article, I wrote down four animals and words that I commonly associate with each animal. To help me avoid using the phrases in the future, I thought about their origins and possible ramifications if used in the presence of children.

Sneaky Fox - Origin: The Gingerbread Man influenced the sneaky fox connection. Some children may have thought the fox was clever, but I thought he was deceptive.

Ramifications: Sneaky fox for some children may be confusing because many people think the fox is clever. The fox had a problem. He wanted to eat the Gingerbread Man but the cookie would not let him. Using problem-solving skills, the fox came up with a viable solution but at the expense of the Gingerbread Man. This may make children wonder - Does the end justify the means? Do solutions need to be beneficial for all parties involved? Were the fox's actions natural? Is the fox smart or mean? Who should be protected the fox or the gingerbread man?

Fat Pig - Origin: When I was six, my family moved and the first girl I met had a little brother. She called him a fat pig whenever they fought. It was the first time I ever heard that phrase.

Ramifications: This could be detrimental to a child, especially one sensitive to weight issues. When children are developing, a statement like this could greatly affect their self-esteem, food views and eating habits. Children may wonder - Is fat bad? If I am fat, am I bad? Are pigs bad because they are fat? Do people treat me bad because I am fat? Is it acceptable to treat pigs poorly because they are fat?

Jaws (the movie) - Sharks - Origin: Our family spent a lot of time at the beach. At two-years old, I took my first ocean swim. To my parents' fury, a neighbor let me watch Jaws at the age of ten.

Ramifications: I still swim, sail and surf in the ocean but can never stop thinking about sharks. Jaws ruined my carefree enjoyment of the ocean forever. This movie increased an irrational and unsubstantiated fear of sharks amongst children and adults. Peter Benchley, the author of Jaws, and Steven Spielberg, the director of Jaws, both have expressed regret over the movie's negative outcomes. Instead of respecting sharks for their intelligence, perseverance and important role in the marine cycle, some people kill them for entertainment purposes, unsupported medical remedies and food delicacies.

Peaceful Dove - Origin: In church, doves represent sacredness, peacefulness. I wonder if people living in cities know that doves and pigeons are of the same family?

Ramifications: Historically, doves' sacredness led to their sacrifice, and their peacefulness makes them a part of some wedding ceremonies today. Use of doves by humans sends the wrong message to children that people have a right to do whatever they wish with animals.

Based upon my reflections, I concluded that personal experiences involving media, society, religion and upbringing played the biggest role in shaping my views of animals. Luckily, my parents were most influential in refuting any negative exposure. Even my father, a man who does not enjoy living with animals, would never tolerate inhumane treatment of another living being for any reason.