Archetype vs. Stereotype

There is a thin line between and archetype and a stereotype. It seems that the main difference between the two is that an archetype is an unconscious generalization everyone is born with while a stereotype is a generalization built into us by society. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition of an archetype is "a perfect example of something," or "the original pattern or model of which all things of the same type are representations or copies." In turn, the definition of a stereotype is "to believe unfairly that all people or things with a particular characteristic are the same." So while an archetype is just the quintessence of something a stereotype is a harsh and unfair grouping given by society. It seems that through both of these words we, as a society, tend to have to group things together to give a greater understanding. Not only this, but we also have to have a quintessential object or idea that defines the others as "not so good." As a society we build up perceptions and strive to be the archetype of that perception. However, when you stop to think about it, it is just as unfair as a stereotype. In a way we are putting ourselves in a position to be stereotyped. We don't realize it at first but the archetype that society makes is near impossible and we rip ourselves apart with the realization that we will never be there. Instead we need to put these groupings aside and just strive to be who we truly are. Being true to yourself is the only way to be happy in a society that feeds off of the misery of its own people. If you are not striving for the archetype you cant really be stereotyped because you are your own person. You wont be a "perfect" fit in any stereotypical group and will never truly be able to be placed there.