Affirming stereotypes

[KylalaKitty]

Whatever we think comes into being like thinking/saying positive things positive things will happen...thinking/saying negative things negative things will happen. When more than one person says the same thing about one person it makes whatever was sayed more powerful, for example a group affirming healing for one person...that healing will be brought about sooner and with better results.

Now imagine what would happen if a group of people thought/said something about another group...I wonder if that how stereotypes got started? I'm not saying by any means that ALL stereotypes are true for ALL groups of people but it seems that is fits most people of certain groups. Is that our fault from almost affirming how (they should) act?

What do you think? This is just something thats been on my mind and I wasnt only talking about racial groups either. Goths, preps, EMOS, christians, ect. as well.

[Toby Stimpson]

I disgaree with your statements...and I think you're confusing stereotypes with characteristics. Now, you bring up some exmaples...Goths, Preps...Christians...

Now there are certainly characteristics of these groups thta make them identifiable...however a stereotype is a set definition in people's minds that is usually false and used to unjustly give bias towards or against them. The stereotypes that certain people are goodbased on the actions of a few...and so prefferential treatment is given to them. Now that is a sterotype used in a negetive ay even if it's used in a positive way. I think what you're getting at is perhaps the idea of misconceptions being brought up and addressed...but soemthing you should realize is a stereotype is a stereotype is a stereotype and it is usually worse in little minds. Characateristics are what make upthese groups BUT they are also made up of individuals whom some may act similar to each other but to say so might bring you dangerously close to mentally making the stereotype that all people of that group act that way.

[Baye]

I think if you saw someone dressed in black, chains, spiked jewlery and a (insert a goth band) shirt you can pretty much assume they are Goth.
Someone with a characteristic to the Goth lifestyle. Not really a stereotype. Assuming all Jewish people are cheap and have large noses. IS a stereotype.

Baye

[Toby Stimpson]

ahh but there is a danger in assumptions...

If this individual wearing black, spiked jeweallry an chains does not identify as a Goth, but you assume they are and TREAT them as they are...that there is catering to the stereotyope that all people who wear chains, spiked jewellary and black clothing are Goth...do you see what I mean?

[Baye]

I agree but one sometimes takes a chance when they present themselves in a similar way of a piticular group.
That is human nature. The key is to confront them as an individual.


Baye

[SSanf]

People and even groups of people generally live up or down to expectations.