What defines a person? How is an individual judged rated and categorized under the title “human being?” Ideally it would be based on what you say, what you do and who you have proven yourself to be. But in reality we are each defined by images; objects, titles, articles of clothing, skin color, and what is written on our passports. In a high speed world, where time is limited and media runs the show, these “symbols” have become the easy and efficient way to relay entire ideologies. Although symbolism and imagery are not a new concept, they were never as carelessly and irresponsibly thrown around as they are now. Technology has allowed for the spread of information about people, things and places in a whole new way, both beneficial and dangerous. On one hand information is now as accessible as air, and moves just as fast; isolation can no longer be an excuse for ignorance, unless it is self-imposed. However, knowing doesn’t guarantee understanding, and this is where things often go wrong. The world is now an interlinked, global society, where everyone can see everyone else, but doesn’t necessarily perceive everyone else. Assumptions are made about people based on images associated with them. People are often judged based not on their story, but on the cover and title of their book. These are the factors that have given rise to a new kind of “stereotyping”; one that doesn’t arise from not knowing, but from not understanding.

Link:
Hoodies and Hijaabs: A New Kind of Stereotype, A New Way to Fight it