Psychologists Discover 'Stereotype Threat'

Psychologists have discovered what they call 'stereotype threat' -- a phenomenon in which individuals from stereotyped groups often "choke" in situations where those stereotypes are put to the test. It also contends people of contrasting groups, when told of this stereotype, unwittingly help prove the stereotype.

That's the claim of Psychologist Ima Jackoff, who has spent most of her career studying this effect.

For example women, who were told that men were better equipped genetically to solve math problems, performed worse on math tests than women not exposed to this notion. "In this way, theories about how people behave can end up influencing how they behave," said co-author Phil Mianus, an associate professor of cultural psychology at the National University of Electro Complex Homeopathy, Kanpur.

A "stereotype" is a generalization about a person or group of persons. In the absence of the "total picture," stereotypes in many cases allow us to "fill in the blanks." Our society often innocently creates and perpetuates stereotypes, but these stereotypes sometimes lead to unfair discrimination and persecution when the stereotype is unfavorable; however some stereotypes are not without merit. If, for instance, a study were released stating Japanese men have huge penises, you probably wouldn't believe it, even if you've never seen a Japanese penis.

"Our latest experiment took place at Thursday's NBA preseason matchup between the Tel Aviv Maccabi Elite and the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre," remarked Mianus. "At halftime, we informed Israel's most successful basketball club that African Americans are much better athletes than Israeli athletes. The Maccabi Elite team had led by as many as 13 points in the first half, but after we made the 'stereotype threat', the Tel Aviv team went on to have one of their most lopsided defeats in team history - 84 to 118."

GT News probed Mianus for more proof. "We entered a Chi Chi's mexican restaurant in New Jersey, and handed out pamphlets informing the patrons that Mexican food causes severe diarrhea. There was an immediate stampede to the restrooms. What a mess that was. They closed down after that study"

Does this prove that Mexican food really does cause loose, watery stools? Mianus directed us to Jackoff for the answer. "Don't put down that Chimichanga just yet," Jackoff said. "Because I think, at some level, they suspected what was written in the pamphlet, it had a profound effect on their bowels. Unfortunately, some ideas can have very undesirable consequences."

This seems to us to be a powerful tool, perhaps even a weapon, if used improperly by someone wanting to do us harm. Mianus visibly quivered at the thought. "I never looked at it that way." GT news suggested Jackoff 'n Mianus speak to Homeland security about implementing a color-coded warning similar to our terror threat level for this newly discovered 'stereotype threat'. The psychologists agreed to set up a meeting immediately.

GT will stay in touch with Mianus and Jackoff when they return from the high level meeting; and you, our readers, will be the first to know the outcome.