Stereotypes are simple, one-dimensional portrayals of people—usually based on sex, race, religion, profession or age. We all stereotype people to some degree as we try to make sense of the world. 

Filmmakers often rely heavily on stereotypes, because they're a quick and simple way to establish a movie character's traits. Blonde women are dumb, for example; foreigners are villains, Mexicans are lazy, and blacks are great athletes. Teenaged characters are variously shown as sex-crazed, uncivilized, moralistic or shallow, and they tend to be lumped into groups of either popular kids or geeks.

The film industry today is more sensitive to issues of culture and gender than it once was, but many movies still perpetuate common misconceptions about groups of people. Such oversimplified and inaccurate portrayals can profoundly affect how we perceive one another, how we relate to one another and how we value ourselves.

Because children have a limited experience of the world, they're particularly vulnerable to being influenced by media stereotypes. Even animated movies have their share of stereotypes, because they're familiar and easily understood. Those cookie-cutter Disney heroines are always curvaceous, have the same attractive features (regardless of race) and rarely take physical risks.

The kindly grandfather in Pinocchio, the wicked stepmother in Cinderella and the heroic male lion in the Lion King are all stereotypes known and understood by children.

Parents should teach their kids to recognize media stereotypes, and to understand how they influence us.

• Have your kids watch out for stereotypical portrayals of children and teens in movies. Seeing inaccurate portraits of themselves will help them to understand the concept of stereotyping.
  
  
• When you watch older films with your children, look out for dated stereotypes and discuss them. The portrayal of Native Americans in westerns is a good example of how negative stereotypes can distort the history and our understanding of another culture.
  
  
• Discuss with your kids the qualities that are most commonly used to define male and female characters, and talk about how such portrayals limit people's views of real-life gender roles.
  
  
• When you choose films for younger children, look for strong female characters and caring male characters—and films that emphasize friendship and mutual respect between the sexes. Look for sympathetic and insightful views of other cultures, races and religions. (Foreign films are great in this respect.)
  
  
• Expose your kids to movies that break down barriers between people and address issues of sexism and racism.