luzribeiro | On-topic: What drives stereotypes, cultural and otherwise (Reply)

Stereotypes are a truly powerful thing indeed. However, the problem with stereotypes is that they are a little bit true (as in some of x are truly y) which is what makes them so powerful. This makes it difficult to counter them - you cannot create opposite stereotypes of “girls are great at maths because they can focus better” or “boys are great at child care because they are more fun” without those too being based in truth AND realising the damage it does to the outsiders (boys hearing that girls are great at maths will conclude that boys are not good at maths, girls hearing that boys are great at child care will conclude girls are not). In every stereotype there is both a loser and a winner.

But why use stereotypes at all, you may ask?...