Think about your stereotypes of these people..
Scroll to view their stories below
The Stereotypes Project is a multi-year personal exploration pointedly examining the stereotypes we place on each other, how they affect us, and their internal and external social ramifications. The goal is simple. Let’s talk more, judge less, and move beyond stereotypes.
This project began just prior to the 2016 election when I noticed myself stereotyping people who I disagreed with politically. I found the discourse in our country reaching a new level of vitriol coupled with a massive lack of understanding and increasing polarization. I reached out to friends for introductions, and posted Craigslist ads asking to photograph and film a diverse range of people in Texas, California, Virginia, New York, and Washington, D.C.
The response has been incredible and while it sometimes feels like there is only animosity, everyone I spoke with had fantastic insights into how stereotypes often blind us to people’s characters, beliefs and intentions. They also shared ideas for how we may reconcile our differences and progress as a nation.
The Stereotypes Project first asks audiences to judge each subject based solely on their face, then with the added context of their clothing and body image, and finally, in their environment.
NICK - Williamsburg, NY
Jameela - Los Angeles, CA
BLAIR - NEW YORK, NY
BUD - El Paso, TX
HARPER - HOUSTON, TX
TiNA - Dallas, TX
JOSE - EL PASO, TX
Nadia - El PAso, TX
SCOTT - PLAYA VISTA, CA
Johnny - EL PAso, TX
SONYA - IRVINE, CA
JOSH - Washington DC
KIM ROSE - EL MONTE, CA
LOVELL - Waco, TX
RUSTY - HOLLYWOOD, CA
JOHNNY - El Paso, TX
Beth - WACO, TX
ALEXIS - Dallas, TX
Chris - SAN FRANCISCO, CA
ASHLEY - Los Angeles, CA
Devin - NEW YORK, NY
KELSEY - Dallas, TX
Eric - LOS ANGELES, CA
Shelby - Washington DC
I think stereotypes are hurting all of us. This project seeks to foster discussion in all directions. It’s time for change. I want to hear your story.
Thank you,
MARK LEIBOWITZ
The above image shows me photographing US Customs and Border Patrol Agent Joe Romero at the site where the border wall was being constructed in El Paso, Texas.
Mark would like to thank these incredible collaborators:
Project Strategy: Jeremy Shih | Editing: Greg Tuzin | Retouching: Christine Hilberg | Design: Joseph Gilbert
