Stereotypes Are Dangerous

There’s a lot of sayings about stereotypes and making a good impression. You’ve probably heard a lot of the sayings.

Once you label me you negate me.
― Søren Kierkegaard

 

Instead of being presented with stereotypes by age, sex, color, class, or religion, children must have the opportunity to learn that within each range, some people are loathsome and some are delightful.
― Margaret Mead

 

“People were clueless. All they ever went by was appearance and rumor.”
― Jay Bell, Kamikaze Boys

our preconceptions hinder us

Image by Bryan Ledgard

People stereotype because it’s easy. Being able to put someone else into a category by the way they talk, dress, or look allows the person stereotyping to put them into a box.

It’s so easy, everyone does it. Even if we don’t want to admit to doing so.

And therein lies the trouble.