Why do people choose to fit into stereotypes?

Question

Between all the goths, preps, punks, emos, jocks and nerds....no one knows how to just be themselves anymore. It's kinda sad...but why do people do that?

Answer 1

~"Real" people have a structure between their asshole and brain called a backbone, and they are the ones with the guts to be themselves and do something with their lives. The rest, through a quirk of evolution and inbreeding, lack that piece of anatomy. They are the ones to whom you refer, the herd animals who will mindlessly flock together patting themselves on the back and accomplishing nothing. It's the product of the conspiracy of the ambitious, intelligent movers and shakers of the world duping the majority of the unwashed herd into believing they have a reason to exist other than to serve the elite. I could get kicked out for sharing our little secret, but now you know.

Answer 2

People naturally gravitate towards other people that share common goals and values. Stereotyping is what others outside the group term to the group. Sometimes I think people do chose to live in such a way to fit the stereotype - like the Harley Davidson motorcycle riders - because everyone else wears black leather, etc. But when you get down under the haircuts, clothes, and other veneers then its just people looking for other people that have things in common with each other.

Answer 3

Honestly it's a high school/college thing. I think that once you get into the real world, that stuff just doesnt matter anymore. Who cares what music you listen to or what clothes you wear. You are just trying to make a living just like everyone else. In high school and college, all you care about is fitting in with people who have the same interests as you, and thats where you get stuck in a stereotype

Answer 4

Everyone wants to fit in somewhere. Usually a person seeks out or just finds similar people in the activities that they are drawn to. Then, they share ideas with others like-minded and after enough of them are noticed, a stereotype is formed. Stereotypes are not always accurate, but most of the time are close to correct.

Answer 5

"We are all stereotypes -- until we rise above ourselves."

People don't "choose" to fit stereotypes anymore than you choose the color of your eyes. It's others who make the stereotypes, and they're very flexible. On a steady diet of mass media, impressionable people are often convinced how to behave toward others based on a small sample. Also, people want to belong to a group, and it's hard to without conforming to a . . . stereotype. It's up to you to choose whether or not to "fit in".

Answer 6

Because they're not just fitting into a stereotype, they're fitting into a group of people. Having an "image" allows you to connect automatically with other people who have a similar image. It's like instant friends.

Answer 7

I have always laughed at people who preach that they want to be differenet and not one of the sheep and then they go find sheep just like they are to hang out with. Outcasts are still a group and if you belong, then you are not an outcast. it is an inescapable paradox unless you totally isolate yourself. SO, since you insist on being in a group with like people, why not be in a NORMAL group and stop being a freak. Right?

Answer 8

sort of. I cut back my hair off those days and that i positioned on try against boots lots which i assume suits in with the lesbian stereotype. additionally i'm truly indecisive this is a bisexual stereotype.

Answer 9

They want to feel accepted. If they are a part of a certain group, they don't stand out negatively and they are accepted as part of a certain clique. People are too afraid to try being themselves these days.

Answer 10

people just look for other people they have things in common with so they can hang out and talk about things. I don't think it is that bad at all, unless people start conflicts based on their different groups.