Stereotypes

Paper Summary:

This paper takes specific characters from O' Neill's works, written in 1922, and discusses why and how they fit stereotypes befitting the era. It focuses mainly on racism and class distinction. It also explores stereotypical characters in "The Hairy Ape" by O'Neill. In conclusion it discusses the problems that arouse from stereotypes within society.

From the Paper:

"The character of Smithers is also stereotypical. The stereotype of the "low-life" survives even today. The poor (lately they are drug-dealers) are seen as low-class, uneducated, and cowardly, not really bright but conniving, malicious, two-faced liars. The police refer to them as "dirt bags" and "scum buckets." Always male, a low-life often is suspected to be a borderline criminal. Like Smithers, he may or may not have been in prison. Often he's very racist in his beliefs because, like Pa in Huckleberry Finn, it gives him somebody to look down on. For example, when Smithers finds out the King is in trouble, he's glad and says, "Serve 'im right! Puttin' on airs, the stinkin' nigger" (p. 268). The stereotype of the ignorant, poor white, envious of black success, exists among blacks as well, who label the whole group "white trash.""

More papers on Stereotypes:

• Narrative Essay # 68896 : "Stereotypes and Racism"
• Term Paper # 139340 : "Stereotypes in American Life"
• Term Paper # 144237 : "Media Stereotypes"
• Research Paper # 72869 : "Gender Stereotypes in Children's Books"

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