Star Athletes, Benchwarmers, Preps, Goths, Skaters, Rednecks, Losers, Band Geeks, Teachers' Pets, etc. so on so forth.......I would really like to know the prime example of a "normal" person. When are all the stereotypes and cliques going to end??? Do people not realize what these classifications of people can do to them emotionally??? I bet no one can give me a universal definition of what "the norm" is. Do you know why??? Because there's NOT a norm. People are made to be different. Otherwise we would all look the same, talk the same, believe the same. I feel that it is totally wrong to judge an individual based on their clothes, hairstyles, taste in music, lack or surplus of athleticism, lack or surplus of talen in general. You are supposed to be judged on your "fruits" meaning your actions or things that you accomplish and on your character. There was a snap judgement placed on me because of my "All about me, Stephanie P" blog. Someone ASSUMED that I was a prep because of the things I typed, when in reality, the person doesn't even know me. I would like everyone who reads this to keep into consideration that "all men (people in general) were created equal".
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Get involved!!! Make a change! It has to start somewhere!!!
Stereotyping is not necessarily a judgment, but it is a tool that some use to pass judgment. I think it is the latter to which you are referring; and stereotyping serves a good purpose to society.
When you were younger, did your parents ever tell you to stay away from strangers? Did your parents take the time to explain with the warnings the individual characteristics of each and every stranger? No, more than likely she used the stereotype of strangers to help keep you from harm. It does not judge all strangers as harmful.
Additionally, police profilers use stereotypes to help identify criminals and murderers. There are times where they are way off in their assumptions, yes, but the stereotypes serve as a good starting point.
Stereotypes are not, on and of itself, a bad thing. It's when people begin using stereotypes as justification for wrongful judgment that a problem is born. But there is a difference between the two.
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