(Example at the end)

Usually we discuss stereotypes in terms of how they are harmful—which is good because it’s super important to recognize and confront the stereotypes that perpetuate systems of oppression and hurt. That doesn’t mean all of them are harmful, though. Some are neutral and and some are a net positive. If you can think of neutral ones that’s fine but I’m especially interested in the constructive and beneficial ones. Hopefully I’m explaining this well enough but if it becomes clear I didn’t I’ll delete this post.

Example: I usually encourage people, especially kids and pedestrians, to assume that drivers can’t see you. While it’s not necessarily true even a majority of the time, it’s nevertheless a constructive stereotype to hold in terms of road safety.

  • spujb@lemmy.cafeOPEnglish
    3·
    4 months ago

    Love this explanation, thank you!

    And some of the determinants of what makes valid- versus over-application are knowledge, cognition and time.

    • I don’t have training in foraging, so without that knowledge I use stereotypes to avoid danger
    • Children have lower cognition, so we tell them to stereotype that all strangers are dangerous until they are older
    • A woman walking alone at night may not have time to examine her biases, and so uses stereotypes to keep herself safe

    I am interested to know if there are other determinants as well. :)