Stereotyping is one of the most pervasive issues in modern society. But does it have an evolutionary basis? As our ancestors were evolving, they faced a multitude of threats. They couldn't assume that only some spiders or snakes were dangerous, they had to assume that all spiders and snakes were dangerous if they wanted to survive. So when we hear something negative about a certain race, gender, creed, etc. are we evolutionary inclined to apply that stereotype to all the members of that group?
yes. we are also evolutionary inclined to not use contraception.
Tu Stultus Es
I'm evolutionarily inclined to b my l over someones t's.eleven bravo wrote:
yes. we are also evolutionary inclined to not use contraception.
There's a difference between being prejudiced and being a racist.
Everyone has prejudices -- racial or otherwise. That's necessary for day to day life. Prejudice doesn't truly become a problem until it gets really irrational.
For example, if you're on the bad side of town at night, and you see a guy approaching you who's dressed like a thug and is making eye contact with you, you may be prejudiced to assume he wants to mug you. That's not a bad prejudice to have.
However, if you simply assume all or most black people lean toward criminal behavior, that's irrational and racist.
So, some stereotypes are practical to have. You just have to be careful how often you apply them and when.
Everyone has prejudices -- racial or otherwise. That's necessary for day to day life. Prejudice doesn't truly become a problem until it gets really irrational.
For example, if you're on the bad side of town at night, and you see a guy approaching you who's dressed like a thug and is making eye contact with you, you may be prejudiced to assume he wants to mug you. That's not a bad prejudice to have.
However, if you simply assume all or most black people lean toward criminal behavior, that's irrational and racist.
So, some stereotypes are practical to have. You just have to be careful how often you apply them and when.
Last edited by Turquoise (2010-03-21 11:48:03)
I think humans in general are all xenophobic to a certain extent. It just comes across as racism in some people.Turquoise wrote:
There's a difference between being prejudiced and being a racist.
Everyone has prejudices -- racial or otherwise. That's necessary for day to day life. Prejudice doesn't truly become a problem until it gets really irrational.
For example, if you're on the bad side of town at night, and you see a guy approaching you who's dressed like a thug and is making eye contact with you, you may be prejudiced to assume he wants to mug you. That's not a bad prejudice to have.
However, if you simply assume all or most black people lean toward criminal behavior, that's irrational and racist.
So, some stereotypes are practical to have. You just have to be careful how often you apply them and when.
"Ah, you miserable creatures! You who think that you are so great! You who judge humanity to be so small! You who wish to reform everything! Why don't you reform yourselves? That task would be sufficient enough."
-Frederick Bastiat
-Frederick Bastiat
True... we do tend to fear people different from ourselves.JohnG@lt wrote:
I think humans in general are all xenophobic to a certain extent. It just comes across as racism in some people.
of coarse. its animal nature to stick with something that looks like you.
15 more years! 15 more years!
Now I came into this thread expecting a discussion on eugenics.
Thread disappoints.
Thread disappoints.
Whoa... Can't believe these forums are still kicking.