Why do people generalize so much on here?

Question

It seems like so many people think of all ______ people as being one way. Why do people tend to categorize any one who isn't exactly like them? I think they are worse toward my demographic, but that could be sensitivity.

Answer 1

The Media has brainwashed us. This is complemented by our inherent inability to appreciate individuality, because its so much harder (and subsequently more rewarding) seeing people as individuals.

Answer 2

And your comment was very sensitively put.

My comment is just a "me too." I agree and have to confess my frustration at this tendancy. When first coming into Yahoo Answers, I responded to a lot of these questions. I found myself going nuts, because, somehow, in the back of my mind, I expected my answers to be read by EVERYBODY who phrased there questions in a like manner.

And I'm just trying to help!

So, now I know better. My frustrations are eased because I am getting better at choosing which questions I try to answer. I also enjoy logging on much more, and I find my stats are getting better. My "best answers" approach 15% and I can get a little smug satisfaction that my points grow nicely and am gaining on level 5.

Do the points mean that much? Of course not, but it is a little game I play with myself as I reach out, trying to help people.

Answer 3

It is part of the way humans have evolved, to categorize information rather than to take everything on a case by case basis. We see red strawberries and tend to think all strawberries are red. Then we see a person do a particular action and attribute that action with the type of group the person falls into: race, sex, religion, etc.

It's a proven scientific fact :) We as humans need to actively work against this tendency in our thinking to get to the truth.

Answer 4

Whee-haa! This is an actual rhetorical question, unlike all those fake wannabe rhetorical questions. I remember the one guy who asked, "Why are white people such racists?" and my brain just let out a really long "Duuuuuuh!"
My theory is that most people want to feel superior somehow and if they can't find anything else to feel good about- like that they are smart or talented or compassionate, sometimes the only thing left to stoke thier own ego is to say "well at least I'm________(a race, a religion, a shoe size, whatever)"
When your only source of personal pride is something you were born with, you know you're at the bottom of the barrel.

Answer 5

Generalizing and stereotyping and judging and discriminating and being skeptical are part of being intelligent and are necessary for all scientific advancement. However generalizations must be correct in order to advance ones understanding. Most people have false perceptions about very important subjects like gender, orientation, race, and religion. Most are also misinformed on history and soon to be historical current events. All of that is due to our ZOG and Jewish controlled media.

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Answer 6

Doesnt make a difference if they are on answers or real life. Most people generalize.
On answers, a lot of times you see what people really think, the things they wouldnt admit to their friends.
I hate it, but there it is.
Dont know what your demographic is, but I hope that you dont take what people say to heart.

Answer 7

Gee whiz, you Level 3's are all the same...

Because you cover more ground with a broad brush than a smaller one. Because people don't think so much these days. Because we're in a hurry to post an answer. Because we'd rather not type so much and resort to cheap generalizations. Because we'd rather post questions and answers on-line than actually debate things (in person!) with our friends and neighbors. Because the more thoughtful people are probably out there making a difference.

Answer 8

because many people come here for fun. They aren't here exactly to answer question to help people but

1) just to get points (don't know why?)
2) get out of boredom, ever notice people who's answer doesn't even relate to the question, or they post I don't know
3) just to have fun at other's expense, which I agree should not be tolerated.

Bottomline, they don't put think before they respond.

Answer 9

It is easier to generalize rather than actually interact with ppl that are different from you. I personally love the fact that I grew up in a diverse environment. I have learned so much from ppl of different races and backgrounds.

Answer 10

I totally understand what you mean... and I do not understand it either. I try not to generalize anyone... online or in real life... because the way I figure it is I am probably dead wrong... because in the past when I was dumb enough to put people in catagories I usually found out how wrong I was.