A few weeks ago, someone (might even have been my fiancé, can't quite remember!) said "I never judge people by appearances"
"I do," I said. "All the time!" They looked at me aghast. I went on to explain that it's enormous fun to do so to passing strangers, in my head, to create entire imaginary scenarios based upon a fleeting glance. But I never take action based on that judgement. Especially not important stuff such as job appointments etc because it would be crass, stupid, and self-defeating, not to mention illegal.
As I said in my previous post all stereotypes have a basis in truth. Even if the basis is tenuous, and the necessary classification makes massive assumptions about similarities.
Stereotyping someone based upon immutable factors such as gender, race, background etc can lead to disadvantage, discrimination and unfairness. I think stereotyping people on the basis of what they choose to do (hobbies etc) is fair game, even though it's intellectually lazy. I really don't like negative stereotyping.
But, as I say, they usually have a basis in truth.
Imagine these sweeping generalisations:
- Typical black teenager with their socks and sandals and real ale obsession
- Archetypal trainspotter, judging everyone on how rich they are
- Oh, those yummy mummies, so tribal and always brawling in the streets
- Another bloody football fan with their ethnic skirts and organic headscarves
- Typical Guardian reader, playng their loud 'music' on their phone on the back seat of the bus
They just don't work, although of course, I am sure most of us knows someone who fulfills one or more of those statements.
There isn't much point to this post, just something that vaguely amused me in passing.
