Why people spread stereotypes?

Question

I was just reading a comment by a poster here saying that Brazil has one of the highest world rates per capita of HIV infection. This is SIMPLY NOT TRUE! The rate of HIV infection is Brazil is slightly above the United States and lower than dozens of countries in the world. In addition, the country is considered as a role model in regards to AIDS treatment. I am wondering why people love to spread such myths? Do you think it is caused by ignorance, prejudice or both?

Source:

http://www.isciences.com/imagegallery/hivepidemic.htm

http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/develop/health/2003/04aidsbrazil.htm

Answer 1

i think that with a lot of people its just comfort. its what theyve been told so its what they rely on. theyd much rather believe that somebody else, or anyone else for that matter, has a problem that they dont have. it gives them a certain level of comfort knowing that theres people out there with bigger problems then theirs. you know what they say "ignorance is bliss"

Answer 2

It depends on how old their article or source is!! I remember that back in mid 80's early 90's their source would have been right on the money!! But if someone is basing that on an outdated info they should check it out again, but what happens is that most people in the US.....don't even know about the bad and good things of this country of ours, much less will they be able to tell you about other countries!!!

I am not trying to bash anyone but if you don't believe me go to any given school or work place and pick not just on your State but many and go ask normal questions we all should know and you will be amazed that people can tell you about all about Ana Nicole Smith but nothing or very little about our economy......since it is hard to say what they know about the war and it is hard to understand for sure because they may know we have a war but not why, and what caused it...yet might want to stop it right away without knowing the facts!!

I guess I don't see why other than not having another Vietnam in the Middle East......but do understand that if we admit to have made a mistake will end up raising taxes to pay their countries and give free trips to our country and to top it all off, they would be able to travel here to kill us off by exploding themselves and it would be really hard to tell if they are against us since you can not put a face to a religious belief!!!

That is the only reason for which I can agree with keeping our soldiers in that section of the world and that only!!!!

Answer 3

I believe that people tend to spread myths when they don't know the answer. Many people are scared of the fact that there many not be something wrong. So in order to feel better or higher than others, they just state their opinions, and then past it on as he said she said.

Answer 4

all of it is very simple for some one to make up such lies. I am from Brazil and that is just simply not true on what that person said about my country.

Answer 5

i get the same bs about the Philippines...the people in the Philippines don't all eat dog..but that is a sterotype...

some do but most don't..i never ate dog..i would not even eat a hot dog when i was a child..i thought that was dogmeat..but i was just naive

Answer 6

People like to place everyone in neat little boxes; it seems to make life easier. Others just like feeling self-righteous.

Answer 7

Because stereotypes save a lot of precious time.

Answer 8

neither.....it's caused by talking too much and wanting people to think you know so much when in all actuality you know very little.......when people like this speak,theres a little bug in their ear telling them how intellectual they sound when they are actually putting together bits and pieces of information they heard,overheard and think they heard,so,i completely agree with you.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

People say stupid things and others spread them by being stupid enough to believe them and gossip about them to more people who are also stupid enough to believe them.