Why do people steriotype?

Question

Why is it that when people see where you are from or how you dress they immediatly judge you in every way? Im a rich white kid who lives in a small tourist town, I am a huge prep, and my dad is a lawyer, but I hate corpet America, hate politics, dont listen to sappy rock or drive a BMW. I love offroading and you can ask me almost anything about rap music and i could tell you. Im not affraid to roll up my sleeves and get dirty and am just as comfortable in the ghetto as I am in a country club.....bet you didnt see that comming

Answer 1

Well people tend to go on first impressions and if you are dressed like a yuppie puppy then they think you are. Try dressing down and people will think your homeless.
Trust me on this one though, no one knows what your Dad is unless you tell them so he doesn't enter into the equation at all you stand on your own merits.

Answer 2

People stereotype because we like to organize and categorize and because there's a good deal of truth in stereotypes. Also, clothing is part of language and something called social semiotics. It is part of culture and gives us clues to your culture.

Why do you dress prep? You must know on some level that you are getting more respect in that way or you would dress like you feel.

And, how long will you continue to feel comfortable in the ghetto? One day you will likely have to choose. Many revolt against their origins and go back when they are older. Some rare few stay in the system and struggle to change the system. I hope you don't choose the ghetto other than if it is as a social worker or lawyer to help out.

If you are "in the system" and object to the way it's run then you have a rare chance to do something good for society. And, if you do that while dressing prep then stereotypes may just change.

This being said, I am told that most sales of rap music are to white middle class kids. I didn't think that any people under 40 listen to any music other than rap, these days.

I was raised to think that I was a human being. At 25 I was shocked to find out that I was a white female. No matter what I do or say I still carry this label. I can change my clothes but not my gender or ethnicity.

Answer 3

you seem like a cool kid to hang out with but how are you comfortable in the ghetto and how is there a ghetto in a small tourist town where yu live?
people just stereotype because its instinct sometimes its for the bad other times its for the good.
Its traits. Rich White kids have a tendency to do those things u said you don't do and they wouldnt be caught doing the things you said you don't mind
ITs just insticts and traits my friend sometimes its not all bad.

Answer 4

You obviously haven't been around either kid..... if you had... you would realize that stereotypes are usually correct. And when was the last time you stayed in the ghetto? Grow up.... don't be ashamed of where you're from... use it to your advantage to create a good future for yourself.

By the way.... have you ever seen "Malibu's Most Wanted"? Cause you sound like Jamie Kennedy's character.....

Answer 5

Stereotyping is simply a lazy or ignorant means of shortcutting one's thinking--failing to look beyond superficialities and discover the true nature of an individual.

Answer 6

Human instinct.

Answer 7

Cuz people are ignorant and have no lives.

Answer 8

Because you are a stereotype and don't even know it.

Answer 9

Life is easier if you are ignorant

Answer 10

First, tell me what it means to "steriotype."