3 replies to this topic

[Darkademic]

Do you think stereotypes are harmful and conducive to alienation between various groups? Do stereotypes make those that are subjected to them exaggerate their behaviour to further fit the stereotype? Do you think some stereotypes are justified?

People use stereotypes all the time these days. Chavs, builders, car salesmen, geeks, elderly people, teenagers, Americans, Germans, Muslims etc. I think that stereotypes do have some validity, and they didn't come from nowhere, however many of them tend to get blown out of proportion over time. Some stereotypes are pretty much accurate, such as chavs. In fact, the behaviour of some that you would call a chav is even worse than the stereotype, so much so that it seems like a satire - but it's not. Some stereotypes are the opposite, they are not justified and are based in the actions of a tiny minority within a particular group - such as suicide bombers, Americans and teenagers.

[Twilight]

Stereotypes are a result of taking concepts too far. People who can't maintain concept specificity will simplify their concepts excessively. It is not abnormal, and not always harmful since once people need to focus on a particular concept they will usually re-evaluate it and discard the excessive simplification in favor of a more accurate understanding. Stereotypes do sometimes become so widespread that they become fully integrated into people's understanding, which is why you get intolerant and paranoid people who are quick to judge based on these false archetypes. Stereotypes aren't totally the fault of the spectator though (I.e. the person who uses the stereotype) as some groups of people get a negative reputation based on the actions of a few individuals that either exist in a disproportionate amount, or who are somehow widely known for example through the mass-media. Black people are an obvious example.

[Darkademic]

Ouh, interesting post. I think it was Walter Williams who made a similar point about Black people - that it is the fault of those who do all the "bad stuff" that the wider associated group gets a bad reputation.

[iF0rmulae]

Hm, stereotypes have some basis in fact, sure, but most of the time they are totally exaggerated ideas about people and groups. The media plays a big role in the spread of these stereotypes, like the American media's portrayal of English people in whichever way - posh or cockney. I'll never understand the one about all English women (and men?) having bad teeth though.