Psychology and political correctness?

Question

I was talking to a friend of mine who was talking about stereotypes. And the way he put it made it seem like if he acted a certain way people would think less of him. So he actually strives to not do certain things (even if they just happen to be coincidences). Isn't that control in some sense?

Answer 1

To some extent.

People react a lot differently to me in a suit than when I'm wearing my leathers.

Got called into work one weekend when I was out on my bike. Scared the crap out of the security guard.

Answer 2

Stereotypes do come from somewhere, it's *not* like they're just made up nonsense. I mean most white people in the South do listen to country music, and you can stereotype a white southern person into the country category but there will still be exceptions to the rule. Most black people from the west coast do listen to rap and you can stereotype a black west coast person into the rap category but there will still be exceptions to the rule.

If you're friend controls what he likes and dislikes based on stereotypes that's his prerogative, it's his life but I don't think I would personally want to live that way. I like to be who I am no matter the stereotype people throw on me. I mean I'm a white person from the South but I do NOT listen to country or ride a horse. I listen to rock and have guaged ears (ears with bigger earrings) and I don't care if people here don't like that, that's who I am, that's how I choose to live.

Nothing wrong with your friend controlling what he likes and dislikes based on pleasing people and nothing wrong with me not giving a damn about what people like and being who I am. Life's all about choices, hopefully he's making the right ones for his life.

Answer 3

WE all do it one way or the other, at all times.Remember a forced smile when a stranger asks you for a direction or some thing like that?Control?yes and a bit of role playing too.