Stereotypes
We love them, we hate them. Some of us fall into them while others create them. Some strive to break free from them while others strive to achieve them.
So whats with stereotypes. Why does humanity constantly look for ways to point out differences between themselves? Coming from different countries wasn't enough so we started discriminating between those from different religions. That wasn't enough so we had to hate those of different colors and races. That wasn't enough so we had to create differences defined by social status, sense of style, unique slang and music. Its as if no one has their own individuality. Everyone falls into some category that has been set for them. The Rocker, The Jock, The Theater Geek, The Druggies, even those who try to steer from any stereotype have been given the title of Unique Rebel.
Ok, so in the spirit of trying to relieve the world of reasons to hate each other I'd like to start a discussion on the mentality behind creating these categories. Share a stereotype, the good, the bad, the true and the false. Share your own experiences with being lumped into a group. Every group has its natural enemy, and in my experience there's even a sort of food chain with a group at the top and a group at the bottom, which seems to be different everywhere you go.
Then, why do you think it happens. What is embedded deep within us that drives us to look at the differences between us. Or is it that at all? Is it actually a drive to search for those similar to us and thus separate ourselves into these groups?
What do you think?
Originally posted by KidRockWhat's your point? I'm asking for a lot more than just a stereotype. I'm looking for a discussion about stereotypes themselves, not just individual ones.
I am. It's a stereotype that New Jersey smells really bad..
FYI, only on the Garden State Parkway going north from like Newark stinks. 😛
Originally posted by Goddess KaliI can't totally agree with you. I was never one to limit myself to one group of people because I myself could be fit into various groups. But I can still remember my first day of high school I gravitated to the Hispanics in the class because I knew I could relate easier with them. I also sat with the jocks my first lunch time because I had already known them from the previous week of football tryouts. I think, beside the group that are put together because of hate (ie Neo-Nazis) most groups are formed just because people need human contact and its just easier to do that with people that you have things in common with.
people stereotype because its easier to deal with someone you don't know if you create illusions for yourself about how they already are.its mostly ignorant people who adhere to stereotypes, while media uses it for humor and entertainment value