Is there a danger in POSITIVE, apparently HARMLESS stereotypes?
COMMENT: identify clearly at least one positive, harmless stereotype in the two films. What is your opinion about perpetuating those stereotypes?
REPLY: offer a different perspective (maybe just slightly different) on an opinion expressed in a comment.
One positive stereotype that I would say I noticed in L'Emigrante,was the determination of the main character which many Italians seemed to have had. The main character never strayed or have up hope from achieving his goal.
ReplyDeleteIn Moonstruck, a positive stereotype that I noticed was passion.The way each character was very passionate about each of their feelings really stood out to me. Even the shy Johnny seemed to be passionate about his feelings.
I think there is nothing wrong with perpetuating these stereotypes.In my opinion, being determined and passionate are two things that actually go hand in hand and should be admired in a person. Therefore, for Italians or Italian Americans, I don't think it would be seen as a negative thing.
Although these stereotypes aren’t necessarily bad, they still convey that “all” Italian Americans lives a certain way which I think can be damaging, since if you’re Italian American you may think that you yourself are supposed to be a certain way. What if you don’t want to? It doesn’t mean that anything is wrong with you.
DeleteHi Amanda, I have to agree with Ivy that beautifully mentioned that if there is stereotyping is not for everyone and someone in a group can be different too.
DeleteBeing passionate is never a bad thing, however, when a group is associated to a specific type, this causes people to judge and assume this applies to all. This can lead to misunderstanding a group as a whole and not knowing each individuals true intentions or someones real personality.
DeleteHi Amanda,
DeleteI agree that these are all harmless positive stereotypes. The only thing about stereotypes is that it puts everyone under one category. This can be a big disappointment when meeting someone (An Italian) who is unable to live up to the stereotype expectation.
I believe there’s danger in all stereotypes, stereotypes are a way of categorizing people into right and wrong. Stereotypes are a way of defining not only how we see ourselves within a group but also how others group us.
ReplyDeleteIn L’emigrante the main character is passionate. Being passionate is great, however it doesn’t define everyone, and even though it’s a great trait to have, we’re still deriving meaning from the stereotype.
In Moonstruck a stereotype is that family is the end goal. That stereotype is the same situation, family is great, however what if you don’t have a family, or what if you can’t have a family.
I think stereotypes go way beyond just one stereotype, part of what makes stereotypes so powerful is the fact that we associate one stereotype with others making a group of stereotypes.
I can see how all stereotypes can be damaging. I really did not think about the fact that maybe there might be people who don't want to live up to certain stereotypes and they may feel pressured to.
DeleteI disagree that there is danger in stereotype because stereotype is created upon our thinking about certain races. If there was a new race that just showed up in 2018 and no one knows about them they would still be categorized in a stereotype.
DeleteA positive stereotype in L'Emigrante and Moonstruck was that Peppino and Ronny was passionate. I don't think perpetuating this stereotype has any problem because if people were more passionate in life then there won't be any disloyalty and no one would get hurt.
ReplyDeletei disagree because been passionate make people emotional, and to some that is a sign of weakness. once people see your weakness they would use it against you and that is where disloyalty starts.
DeleteIn my opinion there is no harm in positive stereotyping, if it is not hurting anyone feelings and destroying them emotionally. I think in stereotyping there is some a truth, but it not always the case.
ReplyDeleteThe positive stereotyping in the both the movies are passion and love that derives them to the beautiful yet harsh realities of life.
I believe positive stereotyping can be harmful. For example if an Italian is shy and finds it difficult to confess to a woman, people may say, "What kind of an Italian are you? You can't even talk to a lady."
DeleteThus the positive stereotype of being passionate and bold can backfire, leading the person feeling like they lack qualities expected of them.
I understand the route you are taking with thinking that positive stereotypes do not hurt someones feelings, but how do we know that it hurts no ones feelings? I do not think we can make that call.
DeleteIn my opinion there is Positive and Negative stereotype, the Positive help you know the culture better and the Negative makes you judge the culture without learning it. Both movie has passion and love, Peppino had a love for his father and Ronny had a love for a woman that he just met. the movies shows that Italians are not heartless or soulless people who are involved with the mobs, but people that have emotions just like any other people.
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ReplyDeleteI believe positive stereotypes are not harmful if they show culture and way of life, like how in “Moonstruck” Italians are shown to be very family oriented. That is a good stereotype and I see no harm in it.
ReplyDeleteHowever individual stereotypes even if good, like how Peppino is shown to be determined and loving, are dangerous in the sense that every person wants to be seen as they are, instead of a pre-established image. These positive stereotypes can also cause problems in the sense that if a person does not possess that good quality, like an Italian who is not bold and brave, they may feel bad that they have not lived up to people’s expectations.
Haris,
DeleteI disagree with you about positive stereotypes not being harmful. I see your side of the argument, but it is all about perspective. I think a positive stereotype is still passing a judgement good or bad. We can use being passionate about feeling as a an example. Some cultures might identify this as a weakness, where some might think this is a great thing to have.
Ashley,
DeleteI agree with you in reference to the previous comment. All stereotypes are negative.
I believe there are both positive and negative stereotypes. Positive stereotypes highlight culture whereas negative stereotypes are more individual judgements.
ReplyDeleteIn "Moonstruck" the close knit family bond is illustrated and this can be seen as a positive stereotype. Italian's have a strong reputation for being family oriented. "MoonStruck" does a great job highlighting the good stereotypes, but as an Italian -American viewer, I noticed a few "negative" stereotypes. Cher states to the dying women, "she is dying but I can still hear her big mouth." Italians are know to have "big mouths."
In the "Emigrante", viewers see both positive and negative stereotypes. Peppino is viewed as being passionate. This is a great characteristic or stereotype to have. However, some may see this as a weakness. It is hard to say if "positive stereotyping" make it okay to pass positive judgement. It is all about perspective.
I don't see the stereotype of being very passionate to be a weakness, rather I see this characteristic as being a strength. Not many people are capable of showing what they believe in and be passionate about it. Being passionate is an advantage not a weakness as it is a characteristic that many strive to achieve.
DeleteThere is no eminent danger in a positive, apparently harmless stereotype. These types of stereotypes are mainly just a way a way to educate those who are unaware of the current stereotype or of the culture. Educating individuals in a harmless stereotype of the culture is a positive aspect towards that culture.
ReplyDeleteOne positive harmless stereotype in L’Emigrante was the passion that was presented in the Italian American. Peppino was a very passionate individual when it came to his father and did everything he could for him. Whatever it took he was always there for his father no matter what. This is a very important characteristic to have as it shows that the individual will ‘go through hoops’ to do anything for things they are passionate about.
One positive harmless stereotype in Moonstruck was how the Italian American family was very a family oriented family. Loretta’s family valued family as a very important factor, to never be forgotten. The family showed over and over again the importance of family. An example of this was how the family made a point to eat every meal together, regardless of the time. Loretta’s family is so orientated this way that it was very important for her to get Ronny to agree to come to the wedding for Johnny because he’s “family”. Not many cultures are brought up this way to be able to see the importance of family.
I believe any type of stereotype, whether positive or negative, causes one to automatically assume or judge a certain culture or race from an outside point of view. Stereotypes cause people to think they know people and that is the first impression they have of a certain group or culture, this can make people think they know everything about a group, which can be completely wrong. In Moonstruck a positive stereotype, is the comedic aspect of the films. It portrays Italian Americans as funny, which usually is a good thing. However, as a stereotype, I think it shows that people can’t be serious or aren’t responsible enough. This shows that even with positive stereotypes, comes judgment. In L’emigrante, a stereotype coincides with Italian Americans that can be viewed as a positive stereotype, is that Italian Americans have power. This can be a good thing, but can also cause Italian Americans to be viewed as scary, dangerous and superior.
ReplyDeleteI believe that all stereotypes are negative, not positive. Any sort of stereotype can be taken in a wrong or negative way. Even though a stereotype may seem harmless it still is a stereotype. Any stereotype can cause harm so I don't agree with the fact that a stereotype can be positive or even harmless. I do not think these stereotypes should be continued to be called positive/harmless stereotypes because there is no use out of them.
ReplyDeleteOne harmless stereotype in Moonstruck was how the Italians were speaking loudly when speaking in a normal conversation. There were constant conversations that were spoken in a high tone.
A harmless positive stereotype I found in the film L'Emigrante was the abundance of passion. One of the main characteristics in the film was the main characters passion and determination.
I do not see a danger in Positive stereotype. The only thing I see that may be wrong is disappointment when categorizing everyone under that stereotype and they are unable to live up to the expectation. One positive stereotype from the movie Moonstruck shows the emphasis on family. Italians are known to be family oriented which we actually see in the movie. A great example of this was them having dinner together as a family and everyone being at the table when Johnny came that morning. A positive stereotype from L’emigrante is that Italians love love and are very passionate. We see that in Peppino was very passionate. He was adamant in his pursuit for the beautiful woman he met on the boat.
ReplyDeleteI believe that all stereotypes are bad, even the "positive" ones. There could be something that seems positive but doesn't fully describe that one person. One adjective cannot possibly do a variety of people justice.
ReplyDeleteOne "positive stereotype" in L'emigrante was how passionate the main characters were. The determination was very clear.
One "positive stereotype" from Moonstruck was how all the characters were so open with their emotions and expressive.