Obviously there are very clear cut cases, like racism, or sexism, but what about when they don't have a negative connotation? Like when you say white people can't dance, or black people like fried chicken (these aren't my personal opinions, just examples, I love fried chicken and I dance great). Is there really cause for concern by such statements? A good friend of mine gets upset at the slightest generalizations. I mean, if you were working at a bank and someone came in with a ski mask over their head what would you do? You'd sound the alarm. Why? Because people coming into banks with ski masks over their heads generally plan on robbing the bank. How can I get her to lighten up on this?
2006-08-24 04:55:11 · 8 answers · asked by Hans B 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Here's what I would do:
When around this individual, I would make outlandish generalizations about my own nationalities, like "look at me I'm part Irish, watch me get trashed on whiskey and eat potatoes, while beating up homosexuals on Saint Patrick's day".
And then when that person starts getting defensive, just tell them that you're making fun of the ridiculous stereotypes, not the group of people. There's nothing wrong with making fun of the stupid ideas some people have about other races. Especially since only a fool would honestly believe that every Irish person is like that.
2006-08-24 06:12:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
LOL use an experiment. Use common sense. Fear, and joy... Just turn all the right emotions to make your friend choose your opinion, over his opinion.
Well not ALL out your opinion, just the basics. Like basics is "I like crackers" and your friend blowing up at you thinking that it was racist innuendo.
Walk by a bank one day with your friend, and bring up the conversation first.
Have a ski mask, and a water pistol handy.
Make on of the generalizations that you want your friend to lighten up over.
When your friend snaps, tell them you want to prove something. Ask him if he would laugh, if you walked into the bank holding the pistol and wearing the mask. If he even giggles at the idea. Ask him what people would think if he wore a white ski mask.
2006-08-24 12:09:38 · answer #2 · answered by Confusion 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Generalizing is just a way of saying that the majority of a certain type of people do something. Generalizing negative comments is bad in the sense that it promotes a view that's not favorable to some people, but generalizing neutral comments are not bad, they just don't apply to the whole group, as with the chicken or the dancing.
2006-08-24 11:57:41 · answer #3 · answered by Kookoo Bananas 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think prejudice is injurious at its very core...whether the statements are inherently hateful or not. Your examples of white people can't dance and black folks like fried chicken aren't going to harm anyone, but it begins a mindset of generalizing people based on their outward appearance.
I think it's a dangerous road to go down, since all generalizations are bad. If it's OK to say all white people can't dance, soon it's OK to believe that certain people are all criminals, or don't care for their homes, or are lazy at work. It's just a natural progression.
We are all better served to look at individuals and judge them based on their character. It sounds hokey, but it's true. And, it starts at home. We have to raise children that are open to people of different races, religions, etc. Being color blind is not realistic or good. We need to recognize that we all look different. It's not necessary for you to ignore the color of my skin. What we all need to do is relish in our differences and and respect each other. Some think it's a curse, but I think it's a blessing that the US is made up of so many races, creeds and cultures. How boring would life be if everyone I knew looked just like me and had the same background as me?
2006-08-24 12:35:39 · answer #4 · answered by Apple21 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Generalizations and prejudice are bad. Even though some generalizations aren't that hurtful or anything they can sure be annoying and it's just so dumb to assume stuff about people without knowing them.
People assume a lot of stuff about me based on generalizations and prejudice and it just gets very tirening and annoying. All those small assumptions aren't that small once you put them all together.
2006-08-24 14:25:32 · answer #5 · answered by undir 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is always bad!Judge not,lest thee be judged!
2006-08-28 00:57:28 · answer #6 · answered by Alli G 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Prejudice is bad period.
2006-08-24 11:57:59 · answer #7 · answered by zeuster2 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
no
2006-08-24 12:58:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋