why are you most likely to find stereotypes in legends and fairy tales?
If your text materials attempt to deal with this topic, that's your first resource. Do some more reading here, but I'm not sure any of these articles will fully address the question of "why".
http://www.bing.com/search?q=stereotypes+in+legends+and+fairy+tales%3F&form=EDGNTC&qs=PF&cvid=f5fb1d8ec9cb447d9d64984bb709feb0&pq=stereotypes+in+legends+and+fairy+tales%3F&cc=US&setlang=en-US
http://www.bing.com/search?q=how+are+stereotypes+helpful&FORM=R5FD2
In legends and fairy tales, you are more likely to find stereotypes because these stories often rely on archetypal characters and simplified narratives to convey moral lessons or cultural values. Stereotypes are generalizations or oversimplified representations of certain groups or individuals, and they can be embedded in the structure and content of these stories. Here's an explanation of why stereotypes are commonly found in legends and fairy tales:
1. Cultural Transmission: Legends and fairy tales have been passed down through generations as part of oral and written traditions. These stories often reflect the values, beliefs, and worldview of the culture from which they originate. Stereotypes may have been ingrained within these stories as a result of societal biases and norms.
2. Simplified Characterizations: Legends and fairy tales typically feature characters with exaggerated personality traits and motivations. Complex and nuanced character development is often sacrificed for simplicity and easy comprehension. Stereotypes can emerge when characters are reduced to one-dimensional representations based on race, gender, occupation, or social status.
3. Moral Dichotomy: Many legends and fairy tales present clear-cut distinctions between good and evil, right and wrong. Characters are often categorized into polarized archetypes like heroes, villains, princesses, and witches. Stereotypes can be utilized to quickly establish these binary character types, where heroes embody positive traits while villains and witches embody negative ones.
4. Cultural and Historical Context: Legends and fairy tales can reflect the cultural context in which they were created. Stereotypes may be influenced by prevalent societal attitudes, prejudices, and biases at the time. These stories may perpetuate existing stereotypes or reinforce certain social constructs that were prevalent during the era of their origin.
While stereotypes can be found in legends and fairy tales, it's important to critically analyze and challenge these portrayals. Understanding the historical and cultural context in which these stories were created can shed light on the reasons behind the stereotypes and enable us to engage with them more responsibly.