More On Generalizations! Or Stereotypes, Whichever You Prefer

My deal is why the labels? Why not judge the person by how they treat others. If you really want to put a label on someone how about --friend.

I think in a lot of cases, the stereotypes can come from the worst people in that group of people. A lot of people think all Christians are crazy Bible thumping weirdos out to convert you. And I'll admit I've met many that are like that. But I don't think they could all be like that or we'd have like 80% of this country running down the street after me each day! Another one I run into a lot is, "Oh, you do animal rescue? So you're one of THOSE." No, we aren't all nutcases! I'll admit I am the first to correct bad information out there. But I don't expect perfection. I just hate seeing bad information spread. I don't expect everyone to care for animals at the high standards that I choose to, and I may have created scenes at pet stores before, but only when things got very extreme (animals dying right in front of me). And I know a lot of people far more laid back than I am. So we aren't all nutty. ;) And one more... vegans. Everyone seems to think vegans support PETA and hate omnivores. I don't support PETA. I think they have their place in this world, but I don't support them. And hate omnivores? Nope! I've only dated omnivores. That's their choice. I just personally can't live with myself if I ate animal products, but I don't expect others to make that choice. They might become closer to being vegetarian if they hang out with me enough because I will feed others my yummy cooking (okay, only if I don't destroy it), but I don't pound things into people's heads about it. If they ask, I'll elaborate. If not, I will sit at the table and eat my food as they eat theirs.

Muahaha.. Sadly peoplejust tend to look at stereotypes, intead of real figures. Anyone who reads newspapers can see that Republicans themselves are giving Bush low ratings. Many of our greatest writers, artists and activists are lesbia/gay. And for every religious nut there are 10 moderates. The problem is getting people to get past the stereotypes.

Awww you are taking all the fun out of it :) I agree though and I know myself there have been times in the heat of argument I will generalize. I usually try to say some, the ones I've met, or the ones I've talked to type thing. I know everyone is not the same, thankfully. It's what makes the world so interesting. Yes labels can be nice, can make it easier to slam someone but they aren't always accurate and we need to remember that. Sometimes they can be down right cruel in how they are preceived so if someone irritates you take a step back, breath, and relax. Now you can come back and perhaps slam them with accurancy.

And may the Goddess bless you for speaking up! We are all humans. We are all One. Blessed Be - Donna

I generalize about men quite a bit..but hey what can I say? Most men that I have actually encounted have acted the way that I generalize them all to be.

You are on a roll! Somethings are said in the heat of the moment and like you said, some people just firmly believe what they are saying. They are close minded. My mom is one of those people and she calles me a liberal Nazi because I do not think like she does. She always says, I didn't raise you that way. Well, she raised me close minded and I opened up my mind and am very liberal. I agree that we should all be a wee bit reasonable, but some people (sometimes me included) just don't think before we speak.

You make a good point. At some point or the other we all generalize. Unfortunately it's hard not too in some cases. It depends on where you grow up and the people around you. Where I grew up was in the bible belt of Missouri. In a small town that was very conservative and very closed minded. It just so happened to be predominatley republican as well. I hated that small town mentality, and I left, never to live there again. Unfortunately, I still have some of those generalities when I hear republican or closed mindness. All I think when I hear those terms are the horrible people I grew up around and the horrible stuff they did.

I hate stereotypes. Good for you for speaking up. I actually have a blog written about this in my myspace page. My favorite one is that all Jews are rich and greedy. LOL thats hilarious because even though religiously I am not, I was born Jewish into a Jewish family. I sure as anything am NOT rich and my heart is only tarnished now because it used to be made of gold but it bled! I was so giving to the point that others took advantage of my kindness! I am not giving anymore not because I am greedy but because I am afraid to be hurt again! I need to protect myself.

yeah, you have said it well. i am guilty too of thinking such every now and then. i guess it happens all the time. but then, at least we must all do away with that thinking.

Generalizations come from a lack of knowledge and understanding of people who are different in some way. Most people who don't seek to gain knowledge fear knowledge because it takes them out of their comfort zone. If thier ideals are challenged, it is very frightening. Education is always the key. Ignorance leads to fear. Fear leads to bigotry. Bigotry leads to hate. Seek knowledge, bannish hate.

Thanks for reminding me why I never have these thoughts. What a bunch of crap when people attach this nonsense to each other. It comes from mindless people repeating what they have heard about others. They are to afraid to think for themselves. Labels create so much anger.

People are people. First impressions, generalisations, call 'em what you will they are often just an excuse for the laziness that prevents us thinking outside our boxes. I remember being told that if you debate while you are angry, you'll make the best speech you'll ever regret! :D

i hate stereotypes like black people are dumb, they carry aids and they are nothing. but everbody makes them and they aree wrong so i try to stay away from them and correct those when i hear them. more or less i prove them wrong