How to Stop Stereotyping People
Stereotyping and assuming things about people are negative carryovers from our more primitive historical beginnings. Survival in a hostile environment was necessary. Simple assumptions gave us the "better safe than sorry" approach to dealing with one another. Stereotyping people has no place in a modern, civilized, society and can be overcome with some careful attention.
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Instructions
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Consider that stereotyping doesn't substitute for cold hard facts about people. Start by looking at how many times people said things about you that weren't true. Analyze how they based their comments about you on assumptions they had about the group of people of which you were a part, perhaps.
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Think back at a time you were guilty of stereotyping someone. Ask yourself how true your assumptions where when you finally got to know the individual whom you stereotyped. Chances are that your assumptions were proven wrong.
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Determine what causes you to apply the stereotyping criterion that you use. For example, not all conservatives are religious, nor do all liberals want higher taxes. Understand that there are always several empirical facts that prove your stereotyping reasons wrong. Attempt to rid yourself of prejudices and biases that lead you to stereotyping people.
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Adopt logic, critical thinking and application of actual facts in place of stereotyping people. Let people prove themselves to you. Let them define themselves. This gives better, more accurate data on someone than what you get when stereotyping them. For example, don't assume that the bookworm is a boring person.
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Tips & Warnings
You could be stereotyping a potential best friend, or turning away your Mr. or Mrs. Right.
