Why Do People Stereotype?

Stereotypes reflect flat, one dimensional caricatures of people which bear little resemblance to the variety and diversity inherent in any group or race, but they surface all the time in any culture for easy categorisation and comprehension of cultural behaviour. We hear a lot about stereotypes and why we should not use them, but there is nothing wrong with stereotypes, per se. We tend to judge each other by generalisations in order to understand every aspect of life, especially when faced with difference, a kind of shorthand way of addressing new groups without having to note every minute detail every moment of the day.

The brain, like any computer, works from the macro to the micro when absorbing information, seeking coherence and order by using the information it already has to sort items and people in the fastest, most stereotyped and efficient way until more data becomes available. At the first, or macro, stage, the only effective way to view people of all ilk is to focus on their similarities, what they are perceived to have in common from our state of ignorance, especially what links them together, whether positive or negative, in order to appreciate their culture/behaviour/perspectives.

When more information becomes available, sorting switches to the micro, or individual level, to focus on the differences that set the person or group apart in their own right, and to establish the level of familiarity and comfort in dealing with the strangers or new situations. This automatic second stage process by the brain sorts out interactions on a micro level, assigning individual characteristics to a host of originally 'sameness' features. Once we appreciate the uniqueness of that individual, we begin to feel more comfortable with them and there is no further need for stereotypes. We tend to accept them as they are.

So, while it may be wrong to assign something negative across a whole group of people, it becomes offensive as a stereotype ONLY if we know better, yet still persist in classifying those people in stereotypic ways. It is also the negative nature of stereotypes which makes them offensive because we really cannot accept a positive stereotype like, "Many African Americans are great athletes" (which appreciates and applauds their prowess), or that "Asians are good academic performers who end up in high status professions" (something which enhances that ethnic group by increasing its social and economic appeal) then react in an aggrieved manner when negative stereotypes are used as well.

We cannot know every human being individually, so we have to start with certain assumptions about them, based upon our limited knowledge of their background and origin. This would include the primary differences relating to gender, race, ethnicity, age, ability, religion and nationality - the more readily observable characteristics. For those who wish to be prejudiced or discriminatory, or who lack confidence in themselves, this is where the process stops. A quick analysis usually catalogues the group or person into a 'rigid box of acceptance or rejection', dominated by stereotypes and feelings of fear.

If the original perception remains unchanged, despite added knowledge to the contrary, that's where negative stereotypes become damaging and prejudicial. Any further assumptions would be deliberate and used for a particular purpose which is rarely ever meant to be complimentary to that person or group, and particularly to feel superior.