Stereotypes have the power to serve as standards that people want to conform to. They serve as a continuous filter through which society perceives an individual, and behaviors that conform to stereotypes stand out more to people than to those who break the mold. An example being that an assertive white man would be considered for promotion, rather than an Asian woman who behaved in the same manner. This makes it difficult to change or dismantle stereotypes, which also explains the lack of women in leadership positions in companies. Stereotypes also serve as a self-fulfilling prophecy, meaning that if women are characterized by negative traits, they will observe these traits in themselves and develop them. People also conform to stereotypes so that they are widely accepted by groups of people. As a result, stereotypes are difficult to break or