NEW GUIDELINES are to be issued to teachers, advertisers and journalists which aim to discourage them from stereotyping groups such as Travellers, foreign nationals and older people.
The guidelines are part of a strategy launched in Galway yesterday by the Equality Authority which aims to highlight and challenge the stereotyping of groups experiencing inequality.
The authority’s chief executive Niall Crowley said booklets outlining the guidelines would be issued in the coming months to employers, media organisations, advertising agencies, schools and service providers.
Mr Crowley criticised advertising directed at children for stereotyping young girls and boys.
“Children’s ads portray girls as being passive and nurturing, while boys are seen as being aggressive. Gender stereotypes are communicated to children through the language and imagery.
“Ultimately, this stereotyping leads to inequality between men and women,” he said at the launch of the initiative, “Give Stereotypes the Boot”, at the Town Hall Theatre.
The initiative aims to raise awareness about stereotyping of people on the grounds of gender, race, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, age, disability, marital status or on the grounds that they are a member of the Travelling community.
As part of the launch, an art exhibition was opened, showcasing the work of European art and design students.