STEREOTYPING

Stereotyping is forming a standardized, oversimplified mental picture of members of a group. We attribute fixed or general traits to all members of that group-disregarding individual, distinguishing qualities or traits. Stereotypes can be based on traits such as sex, race, religion, nationality, length of hair, or even dress.

We form mental pictures of people, things, and events based on the traits of that group to which they belong. Stereotyping eliminates the need for us to know a person as an individual. It allows us to conveniently place a person in a group. Based on the traits we attribute to that group, we then believe we know all about that person. Placing the person in a group implies that the person has the same characteristics as everyone else in that group or category. That in itself is bad enough, but placing the person in a category you regard as inferior is even more offensive.

Don't confuse stereotyping with the practice of using personality and physical characteristics as memory aids. Many people rely on these to recall facts about individuals (name, occupation, etc.).

The following illustration points out the difference between a mental picture that is a valid aid to communication and one that is an unwarranted stereotype.

Mental pictures are important because they are a quick way of conveying messages, but you must be sure they really fit the individual before you apply them.