Why do people feel the need to Stereotype?

Question

To make it easier for them to understand?
Why do we ourselves as lesbians and gays "box" other people of the same sexuality into these roles? I have met other lesbians that dont consider bi-sexuals "worthy" or that feel that "butch" girls arent worth going with because they just want to be men apparently.

I dont feel this way, i was just wondering other peoples views on it.

Answer 1

I think it's just a human thing to stereotype. Plus mainstream culture doesn't exactly encourage us to love each other.

Answer 2

If you're comfortable with what you are then you don't stereotype. Stereotypes coincide with ignorance. As humans we have to label everything, and anything without a label is either bad or the unknown. Man kind fears the bad and unknown.

You may use stereo types unconsciously to describe a person or a thing so that your listener can understand your language or message.

Answer 3

Stereotyping is a way we learn to understand the world. We cannot look at every person and every situation thoroughly enough to Analise it completely, so we put things into categories in order to make quick decisions or judgments. The problem comes when we do get into personal situations where we should be looking more carefully, we don't cast aside the stereotypes.

Answer 4

mmm .i am equally intolerant of other people as the next.even though im a full on lesbian it would be odd if my brother were gay.i cant justify my reasons as ive often wondered and failed to draw conclusion as to why im gay.i went to a lesbian squat party a while back .they had bands on etc..but some of the girls had shaved heads and later changed into short skirts wearing doc martins and bomber jackets .they also put on red lipstick and attached fake side burns and moustaches .i personally didnt get it.i think its the "old school " lesbians that have issue with bi sexuality.mind you some of the im too trendy lesbians can be quite discriminating

Answer 5

stereotyping others is a way of making 'us' feel important. I too hate labels... I consider myself someone who actually likes 'butch' types- but only those who wear some make up and look like girls. such as athletic. I dont know how other lesbians would catorgaorise me. as sometimes, i look femine and other bad days i woulsd walk out of my home looking messy- but i dont care about what people think about me.

Answer 6

Because GLBTQQIA people are still people. Some are good and some are not. Also, as with all other people, we categorize eveything. It's just human nature. Some let that little part get out of control and stereotype, whether they're gay, straight, etc.

Answer 7

It's a safety net.... people kind of naturally lean towards groups or genres they feel represent something we can believe in, we do it to ourselves in other words, why deny it, it would be silly not to use it, how you use it is the problem, and the observations we make. Even the most opressed in society are guilty of stereotyping.

Answer 8

Because people really do believe the stereotypes are true, they dont like the stereotypes and they use them as a way to poke fun at others. And seeing as they often dont know anyone whose (openly) gay they dont know any better. Blame the jews. They control everything including the media and are relentlessly pushing these stereotypes on people.

Answer 9

People do it to make their life's easy. If you box them, you don't have to get to know them. This type of person best avoided because they have stopped learning. We all do it at some point' but some of us have an open mind. Don't stress.

Answer 10

It makes it easier for us to label people, then we know where we stand. It's not always fair or even accurate, but it most likely never change.