Stereotypes of all different cultures, races, ethnicities and religions exist in the world. People all over the world experience the effects of stereotyping. Children in schools experience stereotyping in the form of bullying, students in college experience stereotyping, adults in the workplace experience brutal forms of stereotyping and now cards being displayed in stores can depict forms of stereotyping.  Below is an interview with a therapist from Total Life Counseling Dallas.

Since the card labeled “Baby Daddy” was being sold as a gift card for Father’s Day displaying an African American couple on the front cover, it has caused some issues for the community.

Stereotyping and labeling a specific race can cause negative outcomes and affect people tremendously. Specifically, bullying, being made fun of, putting others down, and labeling an entire race with negativity can be extremely detrimental.

The negative affects of stereotyping include the following but are not limited to:

  1. Belonging (Where do I belong? Where do people accept me for who I am?)
  2. Low satisfaction with Work (people do not like me here, they judge me)
  3. Depression (feelings of worthlessness, hopeless, helpless)
  4. Social Anxiety (fear of others, not going out with friends and family, fear of judgment, fear of rejection)
  5. Sleep Disturbances (inability to sleep at night, development of insomnia)
  6. Mood irritability
  7. Isolation (not going to work events, work parties, family gatherings)

People need to keep in mind, this topic is very sensitive. The effects of stereotyping are negative and do not help people grow. Try to keep other people’s feelings and views in mind of certain subjects – especially stereotyping.

It has been accommodating for the company to remove the gift card “Baby Daddy” from their stores. This proves that companies are viewing and listening to their consumers.