| Every prejudgement starts from a stereotype. It is not possible to prejudge without a stereotype.
If I look at someone that evokes no stereotypes in my mind then I will be unable to prejudge that person. I can only examine a stereotype in action or take it to the next level - prejudgement - after the stereotype triggers.
It is possible, and recommended, to examine individual stereotypes because, with enough mental training, it is possible to eradicate the ones that you don't want in there.
Illogical stereotypes are a mental illness and anyone that has a phobia has mental problem that is based on an illogical stereotype. The way to deal with that phobia is to address the illogical stereotype at the heart of it.
So I would say the stance that stereotypes are a natural part of the human mind and are harmless is false. Stereotypes are always connected to prejudice and fear and it is possible to hone your mind and get rid of unwanted stereotypes. |