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Stereotypes exist for a reason b/c there is some truth to them or at least that's what I have heard. I see stereotypes as like half-truth's or exaggerations in some cases. You always heard as a kid "well that's just a stereotype their not all like that" but as I have grown up I have seen most stereotypes to be dead on. Like the yuppie who locks his doors when he spots a black person or the burnout hippie kid and you immediately think " I bet that kid smokes pot" and 9 times out of 10 it's true. I always used to say "that's just a stereotype it's not true" but as I have traveled the country many times over again whether it's a stereotype about a stuck up rich guy or a poor homeless man. I would say for the most part stereotypes are true but not always, obviously. All my southern friends are all stereotypical southerner's and my yuppie friends fit the yuppie mold well like a mold. I would say most stereotypes are true more often than not. What do you think?
Stereotypes exist for a reason b/c there is some truth to them or at least that's what I have heard. I see stereotypes as like half-truth's or exaggerations in some cases. You always heard as a kid "well that's just a stereotype their not all like that" but as I have grown up I have seen most stereotypes to be dead on. Like the yuppie who locks his doors when he spots a black person or the burnout hippie kid and you immediately think " I bet that kid smokes pot" and 9 times out of 10 it's true. I always used to say "that's just a stereotype it's not true" but as I have traveled the country many times over again whether it's a stereotype about a stuck up rich guy or a poor homeless man. I would say for the most part stereotypes are true but not always, obviously. All my southern friends are all stereotypical southerner's and my yuppie friends fit the yuppie mold well like a mold. I would say most stereotypes are true more often than not. What do you think?
Stereotypes start as a truth about one person (or a group of people within a larger group) that is extrapolated onto the entire group, race, sect, region, etc. It's generally a good idea not to buy into stereotypes as they can seriously distort one's view of a region, group or race.
I agree. It's not a simple yes or no answer. In fact, it is almost a case of: "what came first, the chicken or the egg?" Some stereotypes originate from a grain of truth. That is, a grain of truth about an individual (or small group) that is generalized to a much larger group. However, some stereotypes do not originate from any truth about an individual; rather, they are merely socially constructed. For instance, we can believe that an individual (or society can dictate that an individual) will behave a certain way. Thus, when we interact with that individual, we may interact with them in such a way as to elicit a behavioral confirmation. Oftentimes we believe that this behavioral confirmation is a confirmation that the stereotype was accurate. However, this may really just be a confirmation that our own actions can produce stereotypical behavior in others.
Another point deals with our own perceptions. A famous person once said: "if you define a situation as real, then it is real in its consequences." Thus, if we expect a person to act a certain stereotypical way, then we will indeed see that behavior in that person. Clearly, the stereotype is real in our minds (i.e., our perceptions). But, does that really mean the stereotype is accurate, in general?
I agree. It's not a simple yes or no answer. In fact, it is almost a case of: "what came first, the chicken or the egg?" Some stereotypes originate from a grain of truth. That is, a grain of truth about an individual (or small group) that is generalized to a much larger group. However, some stereotypes do not originate from any truth about an individual; rather, they are merely socially constructed. For instance, we can believe that an individual (or society can dictate that an individual) will behave a certain way. Thus, when we interact with that individual, we may interact with them in such a way as to elicit a behavioral confirmation. Oftentimes we believe that this behavioral confirmation is a confirmation that the stereotype was accurate. However, this may really just be a confirmation that our own actions can produce stereotypical behavior in others.
Another point deals with our own perceptions. A famous person once said: "if you define a situation as real, then it is real in its consequences." Thus, if we expect a person to act a certain stereotypical way, then we will indeed see that behavior in that person. Clearly, the stereotype is real in our minds (i.e., our perceptions). But, does that really mean the stereotype is accurate, in general?
You're right.
There are basic stereotypes that are not only fairly accurate, but they're rather harmless. And they really don't mean a whole lot.
For instance, young black men seem to like big old GM cars - from back in the 70s & 80s - and want to put huge spinners on them and have thumper stereos.
That's a stereotype that is, relatively speaking, true. I live in North Omaha and see them every day. But it's also a harmless stereotype because, quite frankly, who cares what kind of car you prefer to drive? I think those cars look stupid, but I'm sure they think my cars look stupid. But in the end, it really doesn't matter.
On the other hand, there are stereotypes that may or may not have a grain of truth to them, but they are harmful. I could give several examples, regarding black people. THOSE are the stereotypes that we need to be VERY careful with.
There are basic stereotypes that are not only fairly accurate, but they're rather harmless. And they really don't mean a whole lot.
For instance, young black men seem to like big old GM cars - from back in the 70s & 80s - and want to put huge spinners on them and have thumper stereos.
That's a stereotype that is, relatively speaking, true. I live in North Omaha and see them every day. But it's also a harmless stereotype because, quite frankly, who cares what kind of car you prefer to drive? I think those cars look stupid, but I'm sure they think my cars look stupid. But in the end, it really doesn't matter.
On the other hand, there are stereotypes that may or may not have a grain of truth to them, but they are harmful. I could give several examples, regarding black people. THOSE are the stereotypes that we need to be VERY careful with.
I have argued this with others all the time and b/c I said the stereotype was true they jumped all over me, my point the whole time is there is nothing wrong with young black people driving old gm big body cars or suburban white kids and Asians racing 4cyl. Honda's it's just the way things are.
I checked yes but usually would have been closer to my opinion. Most stereotypes have some basis in reality. Most folks are bothered by that but it dont change the truth.
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