Stereotypes: Based in fact, or prejudices?

[dolo amber]

Any element of fact...or are they all just how we *perceive* others?

[DAGDA56]

1. Personal, albeit limited, experience...

...if you've only met one (enter favorite type here) then that person is your roll model

[Snoggera]

8. That's basically what I was going to say

If you've grown up around folks that feel it's okay to stereotype, and we all probably have to some degree, then you will likely have an easier time doing it yourself. Say your parents couldn't deal with the idea of anyone gay knocking on their door, much less a close relative having a relationship with one. You may "rebel" intellectually by having no problems with gay relationships or marriage, but may have a problem with some other sector of society. It could be black people, it could be asian people, it could be people with long or short hair, it could be anything.

How to break through the cycle of stereotyping? Recognition that it exists within yourself due to conditioning, and actively seeking out those that you feel uncomfortable with. You will discover that we are all basically the same, and just have some individual differences that, in the all-important long run, have no real meaning. Some will reject you in your search for knowledge, but that is only because they have not yet decided to attempt to overcome their own biases. There will be many more that will welcome you into their world.

I have to believe that most people are "good." If not, then somebody's got some 'splainin' to do regarding why there are so many of us on this planet apparently searching for the same things? Love, acceptance and peace.

[TahitiNut]

2. Quite often, the subjects of a stereotype ...

... make efforts to comply with the stereotype. Stereotyping a 'group' to the degree it represents a schism or division in our society often results in an accentuation in the degree to which 'members' of that 'group' identify themselves with that 'group' and, in so doing, support their self-identification with compliance to stereotype.

[dolo amber]

5. I daresay

that's the best answer this thread will receive. ;)

[TahitiNut]

7. As a not-so-macho male ..

... I thank you. 'Tis the Lounge, after all. :silly:

[Snoggera]

10. Yes, that does many times happen, however

it reminds me of a time-distant phrase, "blaming the victim," that I haven't heard in quite some time. People always react, when in some kind of submission mode, as they believe others expect them to react. It is a defence mechanism.

Compliance to perceived stereotype may be only a matter of self-preservation. How many barrio kids would risk going against stereotypical patterns of speech, or portray belief systems that are contrary to their "dominant" group? Not many, I believe, until they can escape that particular hell.

[TahitiNut]

13. Nowhere do I assume or imply "victim".

Indeed, as a white male, I gave a subtle example of being "a not-so-macho male." People who regard themselves as members of a 'group' are not necessarily oppressed even though that 'group' may have strong stereotypes. 'Members' of the 'group' may even be complicit in creating a stereotype.

Here's a more obvious example: Marines. :shrug:

[Whitacre D_WI]

3. Where does one draw the line between fact and perception?

If I perceive something, it is a fact that I have perceived it that way. It blurs, you know? A perception can be a fact, and one can perceive a fact.

Therefore, I s'pose I gotta say it's a combo, on accounta I don't see any rigid dichotomy between the two.

[dolo amber]

6. I'm sorry, did you say something?

:boring:


:P

[Whitacre D_WI]

9. Sod off, you.

[Snoggera]

11. Though it is a fact that you perceive something the way you do

the concept of cognizance and related problem solving techniques cause your initial impression, perception, to be altered based upon knowledge based upon experience, both "real" and perceived through books, or just by impressing the knowledge of others through listening.

[boobooday]

4. Based on the human desire for symbolism

The impulse to categorize, combined with the emotions triggered by perceived difference, I think.

We are pattern-seekers, and will impose them if necessary, if we feel we need them.

http://www.wgoeshome.com

[TexasProgresive]

12. other

tendencies that are expressed as stereotypes are generally represented be a small percentage higher in the stereotyped group than in the general population. The higher percentage while small is picked up by those outside the group who may exaggerate it to most or all. It's best to not judge people because of their race, tribe or religion. Take them as an individual and your personal experience with them. My wife never got the "Jews are tight with money" thing because her experience with Jews has always been marked by their extreme generosity. On the other hand she thinks Italians are tight- excepting her beloved uncle. Go figure.

[Jade Fox]

14. Both

There is usually a grain of truth in stereotypes. After all, they don't come
from nowhere. But a stereotype is a simplification which allows you to
ignor the complexity and uniqueness of the individual.

[Redleg]

15. As an academic I cannot answer that question in simple terms

so I won't answer it at all! Besides- dinner is almost ready. Yum Yum!

[dolo amber]

16. Kick

:kick: