Why do many people generalize groups of people? Like, "all Atheists are.." or "all Christians are.." etc.?

Question

Why do many people generalize groups of people? Like, "all Atheists are.." or "all Christians are.." etc.?

Answer 1

Stereotype. There are many narrow minded, ignorant, and judgmental people out there. These people should target the ones that have made a bad name for the entire group.

Answer 2

because all the Christians i met are.....etc

Answer 3

it creates an illusion that their hidden argument, embedded into their question, is stronger than it actually is. It also shows that their hidden argument is actually an attack, and that the questioner is not looking for an answer, merely posting a rhetorical one, in hopes that people will blindly agree with them.

Answer 4

Because it is easier to generalize rather than take the time to learn and understand about other people.

I do think the stereotypes come from the fact that beliefs used to be alot simpler but as time goes on each person has a much more individualized stance in their beliefs or faith. Generally the fundamental or foundational beliefs are the same across the board which is where the generalizations comes in.  

Answer 5

It's easy and simple, so generalizations tend to attract the mentally lazy.

Answer 6

Xenophobia. Stereotyping. That just seems to be how the human mind can work sometimes.

Answer 7

stereotypes

Answer 8

I don't know. And why is it that there are so few people in the R&S section that are so unwilling to consider, even for a second, that their beliefs might have flaws? I'm tired of hearing the same arguments and the same generalizations. Few people are trying to learn things anymore, but rather trying to convince everyone else that they are right.  

Answer 9

Ignorance.

Answer 10

It's the way our brains work. It's pretty useful for objects, but it's a pain with people.  

Answer 11

a s s u m p t i o n s  

Answer 12

because it allows you to dismiss them with less thought.

Answer 13

Small minds don't have much room for open thoughts.  

Answer 14

Stereotyping!! but all christians are annoying and judgemental (just joking showing an example)

Answer 15

Being Judgemental.

Happens all the time with everything, not just religion....

Answer 16

Because people are judgemental.

Sad but true.

Answer 17

I don't know, but it's pretty stupid. I mean, there's bad and good in every single group. The bad ones always give each group a certain reputation. Because of this, the good people in each group sometimes feel the need to work harder at correcting it.

Why can't people just follow morals for once. And why can't others realize that it's just the bad seeds they should be targeting instead of everyone within that category?

Seriously people. Use some common sense.

Answer 18

It is called prejudgest

Answer 19

It easy and most people take the path of least thinking...

Answer 20

Everybody else does it, why shouldn't I?

Answer 21

Foolishness