Why do some classes/races of people fulfil their own stereotypes?

Question

Why do some classes/races of people fulfil their own stereotypes?

Answer 1

This is why stereotypes are in such a grey area.  Basically, stereotypes are based on statistical facts about groups of people. These groups can be based on race, gender, age etc.  However, just because a person may fit into a particular group, it doesn't mean that they fulfil the characteristics of their stereotype.

Answer 2

Stereotypes are not conjured from nothing, but usually from exaggerated generalisations, used to comedic absurd effect; caricatures  It is when they are used for more sinister 'truths' as unchallenged certainties, they become dangerous.

We use stereotypes on a daily basis to help us make judgements about situations and experiences, as well as people, but we must do so in a way where we evaluate and challenge our own judgements and not accept them as truth.

Answer 3

stereotypes are genuinely based upon facts and can be backed up by statistics, its unfair for people to predetermine someone just because of a label, but lets not pretend that stereotypes were just magicked out of thin air.

Answer 4

I think when classes/races of people are stereotyped you  just take more notice of their stereotype than other races/classes. I don't think they actually fulfill them. For example, irish people are no more drunks than british are but if you do see a drunk irish person you take more notice of them and link them to their stereotype. If you see a drunk british person you just think 'o there goes a drunk british person'. You know what i mean?

Thats my view on it anyways

Hope i helped!

Answer 5

Because they exist for a reason.  If enough people act a certain way then people will generate a stereotype.  Take the Essex girl for example.  There are many brunette intelligent Essex girls, however there are lots of them who wear fake tan, have bleached hair and wear false nails - this perpetuates the stereotype.

Answer 6

Perhaps because they want to be part of a community; by sticking to sterotype they think they're "belonging" somewhere?