"Crash"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHS1WzGPq2s&feature=related

The YouTube video link above is a clip from the 2004 movie "Crash". Jean, played by Sandra Bullock, is explaining to her husband Rick, played by Brenden Fraser, why she wants her locks changed again in the morning. The locksmith that was sent to her house fits her image of a "gang member".


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue8XaSWYDaQ&feature=related

This is a link to a second of several examples of stereotyping in the movie. Anthony, played by Ludacris, is explaining to Peter, played by Larenz Tate, how racist people are in the area of town they are in.

This movie shows us the different point of views in our society, it gives us an insight of the stereotypes we have built within our society, within the world. It invites us to see and understand how such a small stereotype and negative attitude can go a long way and affect people in different ways.  It is important that we learn how to overcome prejudice and the stereotypes we hold against those different than us. Since these are attitudes and feelings that are learned and not innate, we can teach ourselves to get rid of these negatives behaviors by not being judgmental and predisposing ourselves negatively towards others.
The key to changing stereotypes and prejudice is largely the responsibility of individuals. Each of us should examine the assumptions that we make about others and ask ourselves where those assumptions came from. Where did they come from? Are they based on personal experiences with others? In what context? Might "the other" be different in different situations? Are assumptions based on things you have heard from others? Learned from on TV or movies or school? Is it possible that some of your negative images are wrong?"
In most cases,  the negative images are wrong.  Most groups have moderates and extremists, getting to know people as individuals, instead of groups, will reduce the stereotypes you hold of others, and it is also likely to reduce the stereotypes others hold of us.