Everyone hates being stereotyped. So how come we still do the things that lead to us being sterotyped?

Question

And this is everyone, not just one group of people.

Answer 1

Big difference between stereotyping and generalizing. We do the things we do, and there nothing wrong with those things being the same as other people that share the same ethnic, religious, sexual, or any other background.
When we do those things and people make a connection with our background based on those behaviours that is generalizing.

When people assume that we behave in a certain way because of our background, that is stereotyping.

We run the risk of losing touch with our culture when we fight against being generalized. So don't fight it or be offended by being put in a category. Embrace your culture, and be proud of it.

That is, unless you don't think quickly on your feet. :)

Answer 2

Hey! My question to you is why is it that you stereotype others when I'm so unique as an individual that you'd have to invent a new category to put me in!!

So instead of asking why people STILL do things that lead them to being stereotyped, why don't you just STOP STEREOTYPING!

Besides, I've no idea who you are, I don't live with you, work with you, sleep with you or ever encounter you, so what YOU & all you others who DO still stereotype, what you say & think about ME doesn't matter at all!! It's what I think about me that does, and I rather like myself and after all these years I can actually think, say, and BELIEVE it, too!! Stereotype all you want, but anyone with any bit of self-esteem and confidence won't give a damn anyway!!!

Answer 3

Look, it just happens and not all stereotypes are negative. I think the problem is a lack of balance in stereotyping. Like assuming all Asian people know martial arts or calligraphy, sure there are Asian Martial Artists but lets not assume all are.

I'm black and don't have a lick of rhythm and its funny. But I'm also the mother of only one child, I am HIV negative, I don't smoke crack, I do know the value of hard work and do work hard (even though i play lotto sometimes), I've never been on welfare nor has anyone in my family.

We can't help but to fall into our stereotypes every-so-often (the negative and positive ones) the balance is realizing not all of one group does.

Answer 4

There was a study done where participants were given characteristics, such as being frugal. When these common personality traits were attributed to "white" people, the participants said they were positive. When the traits were connected to Jewish people, the participants said they were negative (i.e. when "white" people are frugal, they are conservative spenders, when Jewish people are frugal, they're called cheap, etc.)

My long-winded point is sometimes people see only what they want to see. Stereotypes may contain a kernel of truth, but they should not be taken seriously...

Answer 5

That is all I want to know!!! If you don't like stereotypes break them, and encourage those around you to do the same. However don't get angered when you are personifying a stereotype and get called out on it.

Answer 6

We will all be stereotyped as long as someone is judging us against what they think is the right, better, or perfect.

We are human and don't hold the capacity to judge without being stereotypical.

Answer 7

That's the funny thing about stereotypes- there is at least a grain of truth to them, and usually a lot more.

Answer 8

What doesnt lead us to being stereotyped? Its the way we are raised that makes us think the way we do

Answer 9

Imperfection

Answer 10

people still do what they do people just assume because of their skin color it can't be because one person or race likes to do things differently everyone was raised with different customs and traditions and things are different i feel it has to do with skin color which is stupid