Artists' Statement

Stereotype: a simplified and standardized conception or image of people invested with special meaning and held in common by members of a group, without consideration of an individual’s characteristics.
The theme of our blog is breaking stereotypes prevalent on the University of Arizona’s campus. The stereotypes used in our blog were derived from discussions with our group members and our fellow classmates.
Stereotypes over generalize groups and portray them in af negative light. This can often influence people’s perception of reality. The stereotyped individual or group may face certain hindrances throughout their lives due to the misconceptions that society holds them to. This could affect the outcome of job applications and more importantly a person’s self esteem. For example, if someone from a lower income class is stereotyped as “stupid and trashy” then they may never find the courage or reason to amount to anything else. The stereotype of African Americans as “thugs” alters people’s view of the individual, thus causing people to assume the worse and react differently to them, such as a timid or racist manner. Women may sometimes be portrayed as the weaker gender, which can manifest sexism, halting their ability to move up in the professional world or receiving jobs in the first place. Although we chose stereotypes that we found prevalent on our campus, this is an important realization for other campuses across the United States. Stereotypes can be found worldwide but the specific ones that we as a group have portrayed are relevant to us as students and artists because they are a part of our everyday life.
Typical Sorority Girls, Flamboyant Homosexuals, Wealthy Elitists, and Hispanics in the Work Place were the stereotypes that we viewed as prevalent on campus and decided to explore further. As a group we believe that not everyone fits into the mold of these stereotypes. There are always individuals who fall into a category however, their personal characteristics, beliefs, actions, or appearances may have no similarities to their stereotypical counterpart. As artists we photographed what we conceptually thought held the views of society’s generalized stereotypes. Then, we photographed someone who broke these given stereotypes. We then placed the images next to each other to directly display the contrast and evoke, in the viewer, a thought about how they relate people to their stereotypes. After exploring through our blog we want people to not over generalize individuals within groups and to take into account their individual attributes. Our goal is to break stereotypes and society’s perceptions. Essentially, to not “judge a book by its cover.”

The Rich Girl

Meet Samantha Myer, take one look at her and assume by the photograph on the top that she is your typical materialistic, rude, student. Society takes one look at her and places her under the stereotype of your "typical rich girl." The shoes, the dress, the bag, and the sunglasses say it all. Says what? Says that she doesn't care about anyone but herself? I don't think so... Yes, Sam might own all those things, but in reality it does not reflect the person she is. In reality, Sam sells scarves for her friends company and gives the proceeds to charity. Also in Sam’s spare time she volunteers and helps around the Tucson community. You should not always judge a book by its cover. If you got to know Sam, you would stop judging. I can assure it.



Photographs by: Daisy Burnham

Disprovable Stereotype

The stereotype of the hispanic cook is widespread, especially in Tucson. A trip through the student union will show you that while this does exist, there are many exceptions. The above photograph shows what many may expect to find at the union while the picture below it shows a student busting perceptions.

Expectancy vs Possible Reality

The top image portrays society's common idea of the stereotypical homosexual student, based on his well-groomed hair, tighter clothing, and somewhat feminine body language. However, the second image breaks the mold by displaying a gay student that many people wouldn't perceive as "gay looking," because his scruffy beard and baseball cap give off a more "manly feel." It is ignorant to generalize the appearance and nature of an entire group. These images show the vast differences among individuals.

Photographer: Erica Stott

Oxymoron

A typical sorority girl right? Just bouncing and clapping, not necessarily the smartest girl around. Even though she is practicing her perfect clap for rush (the first two pictures) this isn't really who she is. This sorority girl is very intelligent and cares very much about her grades. She breaks the mold of a typicall "air head sorority girl," she is a great student. Talk to her and you'll soon find out the personality behind the greek letters.

photos by Taylor Bull