"So Runs the Stereotype": A Review of Whistling Vivaldi

Whistling Vivaldi: How Stereotypes Affect Us and What We Can Do by Claude M. Steele

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Stereotypes may be the bases of many jokes and misunderstandings, but they can also be the bases for more negative consequences. That is the overall gist of this interesting look at stereotype threat, as it is labeled in the book, and how it can affect everyone negatively.

Prof. Steele has made his career as a social psychologist by researching just how negative stereotypes affect people in numerous ways. From academic and athletic performance to, perhaps, societal ills, Prof. Steele slowly builds up his case over the course of this entire book. Some of his research is incredibly eye-opening, such as the fact that negative stereotypes can affect anyone, depending on the stereotype you're talking about. Black students may feel pressure to perform in areas like math where, stereotypically, African-Americans are not perceived as being good at. White athletes may feel pressured to performa athletically in a sport where, again stereotypically, white athletes are not perceived as being very good in. And if nothing is done to address this anxiety, even in a minimal fashion, subconscious pressure pushes these groups to perform worse than their peers. It is all very intriguing.

And yet, there is this "No, duh!" quality to all of these revelations. After presenting some of his first research, a reader could guess at the future research results using only anecdotes and personal experience. While all of this is fascinating, nothing is particularly jaw-dropping. Also, while Prof. Steele points out how stereotype threat affects individuals and groups, he largely shies away from extrapolating any overarching societal consequences from his work. This may be due to professional caution, but, if his research is true for the broader American society, than stereotypes and stereotype threat could be a source for numerous societal ills. Lastly, while his work is interspersed with little nuggets of advice here and there, I would have liked a better concluding chapter with more straightforward advice on how to counteract stereotype threat. I'm sure educators in particular would like more detailed advice so as to be better, more balanced teachers in the classroom.

Overall, this is a good book that I would recommend to readers interested in stereotypes and how they can negatively affect us and our fellow citizens.

View all my reviews