Why do people have so many stupid stereotypes?

Question

I really started to rethink some of my own one day.When i rethought about them they were based on what I've heard others say. So people why do we let other opinions influence us so much?

Answer 1

Stereotypes are one of the ways in which our brains manage to deal with the mass of information with which it is bombarded constantly. Agreed, many of our stereotypes are incorrect when they are dissected but our brains digest the visual images and compartmentalise what they see automatically into our pre-learned stereotypes. We can then take a step back and assess each person as an individual. Occasionally our stereotypes kick in to protect us - for example, if you were walking home alone late at night and ahead of you, you saw the figure of a pretty big guy wearing a hoodie and staggering slightly, your brain would stereotype him as a possible danger to you and make you cross over the road away from him. This action could save you from being attacked. Of course, it may be that this man is nothing like the image you have built up of him but at least your brain has worked to keep you out of danger.

We take on board what others have told us about people because we 'want' to appear to be in agreement with our peers, what we must remind ourselves to do is to keep our minds open until we have the chance to judge the person for ourselves. From what you have said in your question, I reckon you have realised this already, so well done!

Answer 2

What we do and think are up to us! Others can suggest, order or DEMAND... When one thing is said to 1 person, by the time it gets to the 7th or 8th it WILL BE DIFFERENT!

You can not always believe what you hear. Some people say what they think, others say what they mean...

TRUST you first instinct, its usually the best...

Answer 3

People will always have something to say about other cultures because they are afraid or just right out ignorant! Its just a way to make themselves feel better!!!!

Answer 4

C'est la vie!