Stereotype is a pervasive and persistent human tendency that stems from a basic cognitive need to categorize, simplify, and process the complex world.
(Baoshan Zhang, 2023)
We’re all, no doubt, familiar with stereotypes. Whether we specifically identify them or merely allow them to pervade our sensibilities, they exist in our world. While stereotypes, as the quote above mentions, allow us to address a need to categorise and simplify a complex world, they can often be to the detriment of our relationships with those in the groups we stereotype.
Our young men, in fact all of us, are exposed to typical male stereotypes subtly — and sometimes not so subtly — on TV and in movies, projecting from screens, both small and large. We see them in magazines, now most likely in digital form, again on screens large and small. It’s almost inescapable. Framed by perfectly positioned manes and bounded by stubble encrusted square jawlines, handsomely symmetrical faces atop a toned, tanned and muscular bodies; what has become a stereotypic norm is in effect an aspirational stereotype. Realistically it is an unachievable aspiration for most. Stereotypical men are stoic, they are emotionally closed; tears seldom roll and pain is soaked up tracelessly. Stereotypical men aggressively defend what is theirs, people and possessions (sometimes they’re interchangeable) at all costs. Violence isn’t beyond this stereotypical man’s scope of action.
In this world of generalised categories, boys are often seen as adept in Maths and Science. They have hard wired eye-hand coordination so things like woodworking and Rugby League come naturally. Girls, on the other hand, are traditionally steered towards what are seen as stereotypically feminine roles like nursing or primary school teaching. The problem with generalised categories such as stereotypes is, while they may provide some degree of simplification for a complex world, they deny the characteristics and strengths of each individual. Even a cursory look at reality confirms that young people are capable of feats that take them beyond the pigeonholes of classic gender roles.
I’m sure Ash Barty never let the thought that boys were stereotypically better at eye hand coordination sports slow her down. Nor did Hugh Jackman give up dancing because that was stereotypically something girls did.
With Wednesday being International Women’s’ Day, importantly for us as a boy’s school we celebrated and highlighted the importance of gender equality. In a world where stereotypes shape perceptions and consequently influence behaviour we encourage our young men to respect the value and dignity of each individual. This week has been a reminder for Eddies Men to reflect on their own attitudes and behaviours towards women and indeed everyone.
It is important to encourage our young men to challenge stereotypes not only for themselves but for others. Social media and the legacy of past times can make it easy to fall into the trap of thinking that girls are supposed to be one way, and boys another. Stereotypes can lead to discrimination, bullying, and harassment. They can and limit individual potential by shaping expectations and beliefs diminishing the quality of authentic relationships that may form.
At Eddies we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment that encourages our young men to explore their unique interests and abilities, and to form positive relationships We celebrate the diversity of who they are and encourage them to be their authentic selves.
Strong men, kind men, gentle men is not a list of characteristics for a stereotype; it’s a list of characteristics for an aspiration, an aspiration that is real and achievable. It is what we wish all Eddies men to be. Our Eddies men have the power to make a difference. They can, if they see they can, create a world that is more just and equal for all. Our aim is for them to embrace their power and work towards a better future; a future where they are strong, kind and gentle, partners, fathers, men; independent and respectful, in a positive but diverse world, different from but equal to all.
