对..有成见 Stereotypes

【intro 今日导读】

There are many different types of people in the world. Where we live and what we look like makes us special. Because of this, people from Europe will often act differently than people from Asia. But if we take those differences, and say they are always true, we are making a stereotype.

Some stereotypes are harmless, but many stereotypes can be very mean. Placing many people into one category, just because they look or act a certain way, is unfair. Stereotypes often give us an incorrect understanding of other people. A common phrase in English is don't judge a book by its cover. We should get to know people before we decide what they are like.

Kellie is sad because one of her friends was stereotyped. Find out what Brian thinks in today's English lesson about judging people.

【Dialogue 情景对话】

Kellie:  Hey Brian. I've just had a really bad day. A friend of mine, somebody was stereotyping her, and I feel really bad for her. It's just so unfair.

Brian:  Yeah, it's really hard when people just generalize you based on your background or they way you look. You never think about it, but it goes both ways, that judgment. I had a friend who really liked me because I was Asian. But he didn't really know who I was. He just thought that was a fun thing.

Kellie:  So, he didn't dig deeper and get to know you?

Brian:  No, and he was trying to be positive about the stereotype. But at the same time, he was just characterizing me as someone else.

Kellie:  Oh, I never thought about that. Actually, people rely way too heavily on stereotypes.

Brian:  Yeah, it's those preconceived notions that just get stuck in their head.

Kellie:  And generalizing is just not a good thing.

Brian:  Really just getting to know people is way more important than just assuming.

Kellie:  I agree.

Brian:  Because you know what they say about assuming?

Kellie:  Yes.

Brian:  It makes an ass out of you and me.

重点解析 Key Phrases/Words

1. stereotype 刻板，对..有成见

2. characterize v. 描述（人或物）的特性，把...塑造成..

3. preconceived adj. 预想的，先入为主的

4. make an ass out of 出丑，把..当傻瓜