Why are there stereotypes?

Question

Why do you think that people judge you on what you look like and what you wear and why do people put you in a certain group just because of what you wear and the music you listen to. And what "stereotype" have people put you in?

Answer 1

I think you're confusing stereotypes with prejudice. Stereotypes are when someone tries to group all... i dunno... blacks for instance by saying that all blacks live in the ghettos and are into gangs and do drugs. That's a stereotype. Prejudice is when you judge someone without knowing anything about them. I think that's what your question should have been... why are there prejudices. It's simply because that's the way humans are. First impressions are usually lasting ones. I didn't say permanent, I said lasting. So your first impression when you meet someone is by sight right? Now unless you're blind you don't normally go around meeting people with your eyes closed. If your a chick and its a hot guy, you're gonna check the boy out. Then you see that he listens to rap and wears baggy cloths and skateboards and then you assume that he probably is some pot head that hasn't got a clue. That's a prejudice. The trick is to not let that interfere with you getting to know them because for all you know that hot guy that wears baggy cloths and listens to rap and skateboards may have never done a single drug in his life except for maybe perscriptions and maybe one of the top students in his class. You can't help the first impression but it's important to not let that be the only thing that you base your oppinion of a person by. You have to have some sort of knowledge about a person before you can start making judgments about them.

As for me, I'm gay so you can only imagine the kind of stereotypes people put on me. That and I've been called all kinds of names like ****** and fairy and whatever. Usually I make fun of all those stupid stereotypes. I'll personify their stereotypes just so that I get a good laugh out of how rediculous i look acting that way. and the people that know me and know that i don't act the way people think i do or should think its hillarious too. I always tell people that try to stereotype me that yea i do have to act that way and listen to that music because its in my contract when i signed on to be gay. its part of the dues i pay so that i can get the cool hat and tie. if i don't listen to that kind of music or act that way then i wont be allowed in the club anymore... lol

Answer 2

I guess were programmed at a young age through TV, Radio, Magazines etc. I've been classified as "preppy"," high class"
I just don't agree with stereotyping.

Answer 3

I have no idea why people Stereotype.I HATE it though!
I am a mix I am preppy but punk at the same time.Girly girl but Tomboy at the same time.
I'm everything!

Answer 4

Good question...but I dont really know why people feel tha need for stereotypin....I personally think its not needed....Just dont bother with them....Hmm i dont think i've been stereotyped...i guess cuz they all know that i really dont give a d*** about it..and if they dont like me then i'm ok with that....but good luck hun really!