Do you believe in stereotypes?

I can make generalizations out of certain situations, but I don't generalize everyone in them.

Stereotypes are just a way of categorization and simplification, but not necessarily a good thing to describe persons as a whole.

There can often be some truth to them.

They stem from a kernel of truth, however, I try not associate the stereotypes with certain groups of people, because of course everyone is unique.

This is where stereotypes come from. Stereotypes is when a small portion or majority of a group does certien things that tend to be common for that group. However there is always exceptions to this rule and sometimes the group is not large enough to really be representative. So no I do not believe in stereotypes. Well maybe gender stereotypes. I not talking about the idea that all women belong in the kitchen or that all men are pervs though.

JVC, Pioneer, Sony....

Yes, but mostly for comedic reasons. My friends and I all mock eachother for stereotypes.

And as an Italian I can accurately say that every stereotype on us is true. End of story.

I don't think it's necessarily always an evil thing to stereotype people. Or it's something we can stop ourselves doing. The brain has to process large amounts of information. Sometimes when the information needs to be processed quickly, the brain has to take shortcuts.

I can see how a person might respond to a stressful situation in a way which could be perceived by others as clear cut racist, without them being a racist at heart. So if someone is racist or sexist to you and then apologies I believe you should accept the apology and forgive them.

Stereotyping starts to become more of a serious problem when we are lazy or when we try to mask our lack of knowledge from others and ourselves.

To some extent, yes.

Well obviously 7 people haven't been a bad stereotypes....

Only when i see jabbering bleach blondes, jabbering on about trivial or catty shit. I try not to, but they talk about NOTHING.

Absolutely. My first stereotype was a Gerard turntable with a Marantz Amplifier and JB Lansing speakers. Later I added a Teac reel to reel tape recorder.