Identification of Stereotypes

Binary oppositions are based on stereotypes. A stereotype is a generally understood and common idea(s) that are often exaggerated to give a representation of certain characteristics/qualities in people, characters and groups. A lot of teen films (especially ones set in high-schools) contain stereotypes. Mise en scene is the key way to portray a stereotype. It's what makes it easier for the audience to recognise.

Examples of stereotypes:

• The Jock: 

• Usually seen wearing their varsity baseball jackets
• Popular and smooth with the ladies
• Often seen in a group
• Likely to be going out with a cheerleader/mean girl
• Tall and muscular

Examples of jocks would be Troy Bolton from the High School Musical franchise and Andrew Clark from The Breakfast Club.

• The Mean Girl:

• Often in a group of three
• Ringleader is blonde
• Skimpy, tight clothing
• Loves the colour pink
• Likely to be rich
• Well-presented

Examples of mean girls would be The Plastics/Regina George from Mean Girls or Lana Thomas from The Princess Diaries.

•  The Cheerleader:

• Very likely to be wearing their cheer uniform
• Usually athletic and slim
• Quite often dumb/non-academic
• If the captain, quite bossy

Examples of cheerleaders would be Britney Allen from Bring It On: All or Nothing or Jennifer Check from Jennifer's Body.

• The Nerd:

• Likely to be wearing glasses
• Bland coloured chequered shirts
• Jumpers
• Beige high waisted trousers (w/ braces)
• Big backpack
• Neatly dressed

Examples of nerds would be Will McKenzie from The Inbetweeners Movie or Brian Johnson from The Breakfast Club.

• The Weirdo/Loser:
  
• Sometimes wears and listens to 'vintage' things
• Sometimes brags about uncool activities
• Usually short
• Often against the idea of 'populars'

Examples of weirdos or losers would be Allison Reynolds from The Breakfast Club or Philip F. "Duckie" Dal from Pretty in Pink