Stereotyping

People ridicule and look down at stereotyping, but actually it is a quick first check as having a bad perception of someone is always better than having no perception at all. The only problem being, once you have this perception you should still keep an open mind so that if there is some variation you are flexible to change your mind.



This is what someone will call a "dumb blonde", that does not mean a blonde is generally dumb. It just means you can safely presume she is until she proves you wrong. But the catch is giving her a chance to. If she blows that chance(as in here) then well, you were right. Trust me, in more cases than not you will be proved correct.

Stereotyping is very similar to something that the FBI use in USA. The Profiler system is nothing but stereotyping, to increase accuracy and efficiency of the process, as more often than not people are predictable based on certain inherent characteristics. Just that profiler is a very subtle and well placed word.

Wikipedia says "A stereotype is a simplified and/or standardized conception or image with specific meaning, often held in common by members of a group. A stereotype can be a conventional and oversimplified conception, opinion, or image. Stereotypes can range from those that are wildly inaccurate and negative to those that are more than a little bit true and may even shed positive light upon the group of individuals. "

Thus, elaborating on both the positive and negative aspect. But mostly what we see is stereotyping being looked down upon. What you are doing is basically stereotyping someone that stereotypes, judging he has only the negative aspect of it in place, and this again is being unfair.

I take pride in being a stereotyper, or as in todays world a Profiler. I like it when 99% of the time i am proved right. I analyze another human being on the basis of his or her traits, and assign them some attributes. When placed in a simulated situation they react exactly as predicted. Most of these common attributes do originate from behavioral patterns but some of them do stem from the stereotyping traits found in people.

Thus as long as your stereotyping doesn't lead to prejudice and you are able to keep an open mind, dont stop :)