Stereotyping

Richard Dyer wrote in 'The Role Of Stereotypes" about how the complexity and diversity of a group or individual is reduced to a few limited characteristics

• Stereotypes exaggerate difference 
• The media may not create a stereotype, but do reinforce them
• Stereotyping is a way of imposing order on diversity by oversimplifying traits 
• Stereotypes are a way of quickly conveying info about a character
• Seeing certain assumptions may help construct audience perception of the world 
• Identities can be constructed and communicated by stereotypes 
• Those with power stereotype the less powerful