Relationships

Despite catching some cold germs from shaking someone’s hand, most social norms are harmless. However, sometimes they can influence your thoughts in a negative way. Stereotypes are a way that this can happen. A stereotype is a generalization about an entire group of people. Many of these focus on a person’s race, gender, or religion. For instance, one stereotype is that girls play with dolls. Obviously, not every girl plays with dolls. All stereotypes are dangerous and limit how we perceive the world.

Unfortunately, social norms allow certain stereotypes to exist. Furthermore, some of our social norms encourage us to believe certain stereotypes, even though they are false. These stereotypes support abusive, unhealthy relationships.

What is the best way to deal with stereotypes? The most important thing is to not believe them. If a friend is discussing a particular stereotype you know to be false, tell your friend that it makes you uncomfortable and ask to change the conversation. You may not be able to change that person’s mind, but you can at least say how you disagree with it.