Why do stereotypes of out-groups persist even in the face of information that obviously contradicts them?

Answer 1

Stereotypes have symbolic value to the holder, and help provide an illusion of psychic equilibrium.

Firstly, as a means of disavowing uncomfortable or conflicting elements of self such as gender identity, sexual preference of other types of social identity (reaction formation).

Secondly as a way of cementing a group identity (socially expressive functions)

Thirdly they can be a way of affirming value sets that are closely related to self concept (for example religious beliefs).

Stereotypes can also persist as a way of organising actual, as opposed to symbolic, experience; but the symbolic functions are the toughest nuts to crack.

Answer 2

Because the truth offends and is hard to accept, so people often when confronted that way resorts to degrading comments only.

Answer 3

Because Jesus hated out-groups. "Love thy neighbour/enemy" did not apply to out-groups, only to Jews.

"In Matthew 15:22-26 we find this telling conversation:

A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession." Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us." He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said. He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."

Jesus calls this woman a dog because she is not the right nationality. That is both ridiculous, and a clear indication that he is a jerk."

Answer 4

Because they reinforce the in group if there were no out group how would you define the in-group?

Answer 5

Stop trying to get people to write your psychology essays for you, and use Google! ;)

...or maybe citeseer.

Answer 6

WOW OKAY TO WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO SAY OF!!!!

Answer 7

there just that. sterotypes.