A stereotype is a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.
An example of this is a mother who is often viewed to carry the burden of childcare and domestic chores:
Stereotypes come with specific characteristics and qualities, in which we identify the stereotypes by.
Examples of stereotypes in Teen Films:
The Jock
The jock is identified through his popularity and the attention they receive from girls. They are also established through their costumes as they usually wear the football jerseys and tend to occasionally, hold a football or throw it around with his friends. They're typically portrayed to lack intelligence however, rely on their looks to gain success or popularity.
The Nerd
The nerd is identified through their costumes which usually consist of big, thick glasses, a shirt, neatly worn with trousers. Their fashion tends to be very old fashioned and consistent as their clothes don't vary according to where they're going. They're usually extremely intelligent and have a high IQ, and know a lot about technology. They tend to be loners due to their obsession over technology and science. They're conventionally picked on by 'the jocks' who are put together as binary oppositions and therefore, clash due to their differences.
The Mean, Pretty Girl
With regards to this stereotypical character, they tend to be extremely popular, sometimes this is overly exaggerated to the point where the girl's peers almost become her fans. This characterisation usually lacks intelligence and mainly focuses on her appearance and who her current boyfriend is or who her next boyfriend will be. This character is usually sexually active and the nerd grows to envy her as she gains so much attention. This character is usually established through her conventional costume of pink clothing, short skirts, short tops, usually blonde, and wears excessive make up. The character is usually portrayed to be very bitter and self-orientated due to her popularity; some may say "her popularity has gotten to her head". Example from Mean Girls:
The Black Guy
This stereotype brings up a lot of controversy as this character is usually very unique in teen films as the roles usually consist of mainly a white cast. This character is usually very loud and brings comedy to the teen films. They aren't very popular and are occasionally the white, popular male's friend, however doesn't receive the equivalent attention of their white friend. Example from Clueless:
The Rich Kid
This kid is almost always of white origin. This character is usually very spoilt and the character's parents tend to have no control over them and treat them in a very soft manner. The audience are almost always introduced to the 'rich kid's' house which is typically a mansion. The character tends to drive a convertible as a symbol of their wealth and is very well dressed. Example from Mean Girls:
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