Object of a Stereotype

Value
Occasionally, Minor, Not Limiting In Some Cultures: 0 Points • Occasionally, Major, Not Limiting In Some Cultures: 5 Points • Occasionally, Severe, Not Limiting In Some Cultures: 10 Points &bull' Frequently, Minor, Not Limiting In Some Cultures: 5 Points • Frequently, Major, Not Limiting In Some Cultures: 10 Points • Frequently, Severe, Not Limiting In Some Cultures: 15 Points • Very Frequently, Minor, Not Limiting In Some Cultures: 10 Points • Very Frequently, Major, Not Limiting In Some Cultures: 15 Points • Very Frequently, Severe, Not Limiting In Some Cultures: 20 Points
Description
With this Complication, the character belongs to a group that is popularly perceived to all behave in a particular manner, or otherwise share a particular set of traits. While this does not necessarily mean the character is also an Object of Prejudice, the fact remains that most stereotypes are negative in nature, and Prejudice does sometimes play a part in their formation. Indeed, over time, some people who are the Object of a Stereotype end up displaying self-fulfilling behavior in which they assume that the stereotype represents normal traits for them to emulate.
As a result of the stereotype, the character finds that those around him often inaccurately assess his personality, his educational level, his honesty, his intellectual abilities (especially his technical know-how), his morality, his athletic ability, his sexual prowess, and so on.
It should be noted that stereotyping isn't always a bad thing. In the arts, for example, stereotypes take the form of stock characters that are instantly recognizable and thus are very effective in certain situations. Stereotypes can be based on nearly any characteristic. While Ethnicity is probably the most common source of stereotyping, nationality, region of origin, career, gender, and age group are also the source of common stereotypes.
The frequency and severity of the Disadvantage should be determined by the GM based on the society of the campaign. Many specific stereotypes are already available from this list in other Disadvantages. Resents His Own Stereotypical Image is a common complement with this Disadvantage, especially when the severity is Major or Severe.
See Also
Prejudice, Racism, Resents His Own Stereotypical Image, Sex Object, Walking, Talking Stereotype
Category:Complications
Category:Social Complications
Category:Social Complications O
Category:Appearance-Based Social Complications
Category:Behavior-Based Social Complications
Category:Ethnicity-Based Social Complications
Category:Fame-Related Complications
Category:Identity-Related Complications
Category:Social Rank Complications