Why do people assume things?

Question

I recently answered a question pertaining to abortion and in the subsequent answers someone made a remark along the lines of ,"Oh, what cute little christians out there" or something like that.

Just because I am pro-life, I don't support abortion and feel that people who use abortion as a contraception method are murdering children DOESN'T mean that I am christian. It means that I am a compassionate person who has no tolerance for those who don't think through with their actions and do whatever they want to, whenever they want to.

It would be greatly appreciated by myself, and I think it's safe to say many others, for those of you who answer questions to not assume you know everything about everyone on this site.

You know what they say about those who assume.

Lewis M- You don't know me and you don't know that I make assumtions every day. In my job I deal with objective facts and can't make decisions based on assumptions.

boxer,

Maybe you should read better, the questions was in the first line.

WellTraveled,

Yes, you are wrong. I am not overly concerned with other people sex life. But if they put themselves out there to ask a question such as this, expect it.

No, I am not christian and you have made an erroneous assumption that the majority of people out there who think like I do are christian. There are other religions that feel the taking of life are wrong, that is not just the domain of christians.

de bossy one,

I am not thinking that my view is the only one. I was asking why people have to make assumtions of people that know nothing about.

I welcome a WELL PRESENTED debate. That's one where people listen to each without belittle other's opinions. I'm not doing that here, just asking a question.

Answer 1

It's, in part, how our brain learns. That's why we're so fond of labels and categories. Example: If a small child is attacked by one dog - they're likely to develop a fear of all dogs. They see dog, they associate it with "attack". As adults, we sometimes do the same thing, sometimes without even meaning to. We see someone is pro-life - we automatically assume Christian because most of the most vocal pro-life supporters and groups out there are Christian-based.

Stereotyping is something we're all subject to and something we've all done at some point, unfortunately.

Answer 2

Yes, it's wrong to assume something about someone. However, I think you can see *why* people would make that assumption about you, as the vast majority of the people who espouse your particular beliefs about abortion are indeed christians -- seems like a natural association in that case, wouldn't you agree?

Based on what you said I wouldn't assume you are a christian. I would assume, however, that you haven't thoroughly studied the issue (the vast majority of abortions are not done as a substitute for "birth control" or because people are just doing whatever they want to), and that you seem to be overly concerned with the sexual behavior of other people. Am I wrong?

Answer 3

You know it's funny you say this, I myself am a Christian and I feel depending on the circumstance, the choice is between the woman and GOD and no, I'm not pro-choice.

I answered another question posted on abortion and rape and how I could never tell a woman who had been raped that she was wrong, going to hell, God is mad at her, etc.....

We need to all ask ourselves how we would feel if we ever got raped and someone was not sympathetic with us? How would it make us feel and God forbid the woman goes out and does herself harm as well as the baby!! I wish people would have more tolerance for those individuals, that's all.

What you say about assuming, I CAN'T STAND when people do that without knowing anything about us. They don't know us from Adam, yet one remark, one comment or post makes them think they have us all pegged, so I agree with you, just try not letting it get to you. There are plenty of ignorant people out there who will spew out hate because they don't know any better.

Be thankful you're not one of them :)

Answer 4

i get your question, i totally agree, modern society is not that smart..they really arn't no matter how hard they try and convince themselves they are soo "advance". i just want to say that i do support abortion to a certain point, then there is the point in which i dont (yea, that sounds stupid?) and for the people that assume things, i guess that states clearly that they are just not intelligent? I AM NOT saying i dont assume things, i just think all my thoughts through.

Answer 5

',"Oh, what cute little christians out there" or something like that'

now once again, was there a question, Oh nooo, just a chance for you to whine about poor picked on you.

Quit assuming that you know why people are getting abortions!

Answer 6

As a person who makes assumption in everyday life. you shouldn't be in such suspence. Learn to take everyone answers in and appriate that they spent the time and wrote something.

Answer 7

there are many who agree with your views. and there are also those who don't. aren';t you assuming your view is the only one worth being held? people express views on many subjects. some are silly, others well thought out, and others filled with ignorance and hypocrisy. don't take anyone's comments too seriously. they may be just being silly, or expressing anger, or being very astute. accept what you want to accept, and reject what you want to reject. just don't be judgemental. you may be the one to be made to look follish or very astute.

Answer 8

It is easier to try to pigeon-hole people than it is to understand how complex and many times contradictory the human mind is. Laziness causes this!

Answer 9

It's true, people assume things. I think it is because they are too narrow-minded to conside the full picture. All that matters is that you make sure you are not one of those people.

Answer 10

I totally agree. To assume anything is dangerous in this world, confirmation should always be sought out.