Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveO
Most stereotypes are caused by ignorance.
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Yes, and no. Yes, in that most stereotypes are the result of not being able to see a larger picture, but no in that many stereotypes are the result of someone's experience. My father owned a service station in Capitol Heights, Maryland, and someone who dealt with life in that area, and unable to see beyond that area, could very easily develop a negative stereotype of a certain segment of the population as defined by race. This does not mean that I agree with such stereotypes, or that I think that all people who fit the racial description also fit the stereotype, it only means that I can see how they can develop.
It is also true that negative stereotypes are present on both sides of any color line. I don't think there was a day that went by where I did not hear someone explain that some problem of one sort or another was caused because "all white people" are (fill in the blank).
Shiny Side Up!
Bill