The word gender refers to being male or female. We live in a society that has a lot of ideas about how males and females should be. Many people assume that because you are a boy or a girl you should look, dress, act, talk, and even think and feel certain ways . These are gender stereotypes. They might not have anything to do with how you really feel, or what you want for yourself.
People also make assumptions about others based on their race or ethnic background.
The language you speak, your religion, the kinds of foods you eat and the kinds of clothes you wear can all be part of your ethnic background. Stereotypes about your race or ethnicity assume that you act, think, talk, dress and feel certain ways because of your genetic or cultural background. They might not have anything to do with how you really are. Stereotyping is one way that people and cultures can try to set up your values for you. For example, one stereotype of males says that you should lose your virginity while you are a teenager.