Are Stereotypes True?

[MrMon]

By true I mean do they have a basis in fact? Take virtually any stereotype, is there a reason it exists, or are they simply made up from the start? Obviously every member of a stereotyped group doesn't have the traits of the stereotype, which is why they're wrong and hence a stereotype, but do some members have and continue to fit the definition?

I'll go out on a limb and say the politically incorrect thing and say that yes, they do have a basis in fact. Take any stereotype, and if you take the worst behaving, most notorious members of any stereotyped group, that's where your stereotype comes from. Whites, Blacks, Asians, Hispanics, Italians, Jews, Muslims, Christians, Men, Women, Teenagers, Seniors, Republicans, Democrats, etc., they're all defined by the worst members of the group. It's unfortunate, but it seems to be the pattern.

If true, the next question would be why? That one I can't answer.

[AScorz]

Maybe as a species, we just look at the worst in everything. The same reason we rather watch bad news on tv rather then good. The same reason people slow down on the highway to gawk at a car wreck. We just like the negative in things, it's an easier goal to rise above then whatever positive that exist.

[yukoncpa]

[ QUOTE ]
By true I mean do they have a basis in fact? Take virtually any stereotype, is there a reason it exists, or are they simply made up from the start? Obviously every member of a stereotyped group doesn't have the traits of the stereotype, which is why they're wrong and hence a stereotype, but do some members have and continue to fit the definition?

I'll go out on a limb and say the politically incorrect thing and say that yes, they do have a basis in fact. Take any stereotype, and if you take the worst behaving, most notorious members of any stereotyped group, that's where your stereotype comes from. Whites, Blacks, Asians, Hispanics, Italians, Jews, Muslims, Christians, Men, Women, Teenagers, Seniors, Republicans, Democrats, etc., they're all defined by the worst members of the group. It's unfortunate, but it seems to be the pattern.

If true, the next question would be why? That one I can't answer.



[/ QUOTE ]

Of course there are reasons stereotypes exist. As a primitive species, we had to very quickly differentiate between predators and non- predators. Those of the species that failed to do this died. We see differences in other animals and indeed in ourselves by nature.
Are any human stereotypes true? I should think so. Take all 50 or 60 people who have run the 100 yard dash in less than 10 seconds; they are 100% black. 12% of our population is black, but about 95% of professional basketball players are black. 85% of professional football players are black and there is no such thing a star running back that isn’t black.

[Archon_Wing]

Well, they obviously had to come from somewhere. Most people don't have that great of an imagination. :]

[ QUOTE ]
they do have a basis in fact. Take any stereotype, and if you take the worst behaving, most notorious members of any stereotyped group, that's where your stereotype comes from. Whites, Blacks, Asians, Hispanics, Italians, Jews, Muslims, Christians, Men, Women, Teenagers, Seniors, Republicans, Democrats, etc., they're all defined by the worst members of the group. It's unfortunate, but it seems to be the pattern.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is also true, but it also shows us what's wrong with sterotypes. There is a clear bias towards negativity. And then add on to the fact that most people don't have perfect memory.

Basically, stereotypical people exist. But it's just one part of the whole thing.

[andyfox]

"Take any stereotype, and if you take the worst behaving, most notorious members of any stereotyped group, that's where your stereotype comes from."

But that doesn't make the stereotype a truth. My dictionary defines a stereotype as "a standardized mental picture that is held in common by members of a group and that represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude, or uncritical judgment." Oversimplification, opinion, prejudice, attitude, and uncritical judgment are not conducive to ascertainment of truth.

[lehighguy]

There are two kinds of steryotypes.

1) That which is clearly not true.
Example: Jewish people do not have horns.

2) That which is statistically more likely, but not universally applicable.
Example: Black people are better at alot of sports (as evidenced by the fact they make up a bigger majority of professional athletes in a number of sports). That doesn't mean that every black is an athlete, or that even a majority are. But it does mean that blacks will be overepresented in that area relative to thier population.

[dvsfun1]

All groups of people; whether grouped by race, creed, nationality, etc.; are going to posess certain traits that stand out by comparison. They could be caused by genetics, cultural influence, or economics; to name a few.
Collective observation over a significant period of time seems to lead to the creation of a stereotype; which, in itself, is neither good nor bad; it just is. (IMO)
Unfortunately, stereotypes are too often employed by mean spirited, or ignorant people who feel the necessity to belittle others for whatever gratification they may derive from doing so, thus creating the negative image.
On the other hand, you have overly sensitive people who
ignore the reality, deny the existence of a stereotype, and go into orbit at the mere mention of one.
Not quite sure which is worse.

[Brainwalter]

Yep, they're all true.

[JackWhite]

[ QUOTE ]
Unfortunately, stereotypes are too often employed by mean spirited, or ignorant people who feel the necessity to belittle others for whatever gratification they may derive from doing so, thus creating the negative image.
On the other hand, you have overly sensitive people who
ignore the reality, deny the existence of a stereotype, and go into orbit at the mere mention of one.
Not quite sure which is worse.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well said.

[madnak]

They're careless overgeneralizations. Most of them are reasonably accurate, some aren't. They occur more often than people realize and are more useful, but we ignore them when they aren't offensive.

If I say an ancient Spartan warrior will beat an emo kid in a fight, I'm using stereotypes. But nobody would argue with me.