# Stereotype-Challenging Portraits 'Judging America' Reveals Ingrained Prejudices By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2014-10-02 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/judging-america References: [mymodernmet](http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/joel-pares-judging-america) & [joelpares](http://www.joelpares.com/) Former U.S. Marine Joel Pares cautions us about the dangers of "judging a book by its cover," in his new series 'Judging America.' The Dallas-based photographer seeks to question long-held prejudices on race, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status that seem to run rampant and unchecked in our culture. Pares [photographs his subjects twice](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1): once, in a way where they personify a prevalent stereotype, and the other where they are photographed as themselves. The two portraits, which are shown side by side, present the prejudice against the reality in a striking way; one that might have you thinking twice before labeling a stranger. The [powerful series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/limitededition-print-series) demonstrates that coming to conclusions about others, before we know the full story, can be damaging and painful. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.8/10 - Popularity: 99% | Activity: 98% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Stereotype-challenging Portraits:** Opportunity to challenge and question long-held prejudices through visual storytelling. - **Questioning Prejudices:** Using photography to reveal and dissect societal stereotypes. - **Reframing Perception:** Highlighting the dangers of judging others based solely on appearances through powerful dual portraits. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Photography:** Innovative techniques and approaches in photography that challenge societal norms and perceptions. - **Social Justice:** Creating awareness and prompting conversations about biases and prejudices in society. - **Education:** Developing curriculum and resources that promote empathy and understanding by examining stereotypes and prejudices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Travel-Inspired Canvas Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-passport-series.md) - [Human Duality-Themed Abstract Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passive-aggression.md) - [Color Photography Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/profiles-in-color.md) - [Public Art Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith.md) - [Identity-Exploring Clothing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shapes-we-take.md) - [AAPI-Honoring Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/upon-further-reflection.md) - [Unretouched Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dove-reimagine-beauty.md) - [Hidden Discrimination Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/throwaway-comments.md) - [Wooden Identity Art Forms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hughmanity.md)