The Sin of Stereotype
by MikeGeneThroughout history, stereotypes have been a incredible source of harm. Stereotypes are an expression of tribalism, where one tribe uses stereotypes not only to attack the perceived outsiders, but also to help maintain conformity within the tribe. They entrench an Us vs. Them approach to reality that places more value on the group than the individual.
People of faith should not rely on stereotypes. Jesus himself looked past the stereotypes associated with prostitutes and tax-collectors to invite individual prostitutes and tax-collectors into his inner circle. The reliance on stereotype would not only have dehumanized the individual person, but would have stood as an obstacle for such a life-changing experience. What's more, I think stereotypes encourage three of the seven deadly sins. They encourage pride, as we tend to stereotype different people as if they are intellectually, physically, morally, or emotionally inferior to ourselves. Stereotypes encourage wrath, as they tend to inflame our dislike and even hatred of those who look, think, and live differently than ourselves. Lastly, they encourage sloth, as the reliance on stereotypes is a form of intellectual laziness, where we would rather rely on preconceptions than take the time and mental energy to understand a new person or idea.
People of reason should not rely on stereotypes. Reliance on stereotypes violates the principles of critical thinking and, as just mentioned, encourages intellectual laziness. Stereotypes create a strong temptation to rely on group think rather than independent thinking. Stereotypes tap into our emotional brain rather than intellect. It is thus not surprising that stereotypes are used so extensively by corporations to sell their needless products "“ it's a means of bypassing our thinking.
Of course, we are all only human and all rely on stereotypes to some degree or another. They exist as part of the human brain's attempt to categorize and make sense of the outside world. The key is whether we have the ability to recognize when we are relying on stereotypes and, if so, have the ability to question ourselves and change our approach to the world. And others.
December 13th, 2007 at 7:34 pm
Good points Mike.
I am an ID Pleasurian. Now because I am ID, I must (according to the orthodox stereotype) be "a Creationist." This is because "ID = Creationism (in a cheap tuxedo)." Yet because I am a Pleasurian I must be "an immoral Godless hedonist" (according to yet another orthodox stereotype). Stereotyping is for intellectually lazy culture warriors. IMO people need to stop fighting and start thinking.
Comment by William Brookfield — December 13, 2007 @ 7:34 pm
December 14th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
Mike,
Well written post.
Anyone hoping to pursue critical thinking must first realize that in overcoming stereotype they must actually go against their natural tendencies. Critical thinking is a most un-natural endeavor.
There are myriad studies to confirm that bias and stereotype go hand in hand, that memory is selective, and that bias is manifested physically in neurochemical expression. Stereotyping can actually be quantified and measured as a physiological mechanism for survival. It's just human nature.
I like your characterization of stereotype as a sin because like all other sins, stereotyping is simply part of human nature. And like all sins, we have the ability to avoid the behavior, tempting as it may be.
Comment by chunkdz — December 14, 2007 @ 2:12 pm
December 14th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
I would suggest the following exception to the rule: If I am alone at night, and turn around to see a group of young black men in urban/hiphop clothing, looking my way with interest, I will look for an escape route. If they're wearing suits, or work clothes I won't. Sorry. It's unfortunate but in this case I have to look out for my own safety and the future well-being of my [black] wife and two kids. In this case the stereotype may save my life.
Comment by russ — December 14, 2007 @ 4:09 pm
December 14th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
Hi William,
I agree with you. You add that "people need to stop fighting and start thinking." Indeed. But then some people try to make it look like they are thinking when they are just fighting. Of course, the moment they start peddling a stereotype (i.e., ID = creationism") is the moment you know they don't truly value critical thinking. It is always worth it to stop the conversation and point this out.
Comment by MikeGene — December 14, 2007 @ 4:10 pm
December 14th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
Hi chunkdz,
Great points. While many may view this whole topic as some minor tangent, in reality, it is of central importance. I plan to focus some more on stereotype and confirmation bias in upcoming posts.
Comment by MikeGene — December 14, 2007 @ 4:11 pm
December 14th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
Mike Gene wrote:
Case in point -
I referred a critic to your book and suggested that it may be a good topic to discuss.
He refused since your publisher states on their website that they only publish what is "consistent with the Judeo Christian worldview."
Apparently, this was enough to convince him that your book was a creationist trojan horse. So the problem is not a clash of ideas, it is some kind of stereotype driven tribal warfare that does not even allow a clash of ideas.
Comment by chunkdz — December 14, 2007 @ 5:24 pm
December 14th, 2007 at 9:44 pm
Hi chunkdz,
Yes, there is nothing more interesting that people who believe they are engaged in critical thinking while peddling stereotypes. I recently had a similar experience. I showed up on some forum with a truncated version of ID101. A small swarm of critics responded by warning people about wedge, accusing me of arguing from ignorance, trying to prove ID and the existence of God, etc. When I politely and calmly informed them that their criticisms did apply to me, my essay, or my book, they started to attack me and accuse me of dishonesty because they just knew what IDers were all up to.
Essentially what you had was people judging and condemning a book they had no intention of ever reading. I'll probably blog excerpts of this later.
Comment by MikeGene — December 14, 2007 @ 9:44 pm
December 15th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
Russ, why not just pay attention to how that group acts regardless of what they wear? But I guess that's asking too much as their clothes would cause you to interpret their actions though a stereotypical lens.
Comment by Mertens — December 15, 2007 @ 2:30 pm