Stereotypes are characteristics imposed on ###### of people because of their ######, culture, religion and sexual orientation. ###### these characteristics tend to ignore ###### fact that people in the ###### group can be very different.

###### example, say someone meets a ###### individuals from a particular country ###### finds them to be quiet ###### reserved. That person might spread ###### word that all citizens from ###### country are quiet and reserved. ###### this would not be true.]]>
Stereotypes Vs.]]>
All stereotypes are generalizations, but ###### all generalizations are stereotypes. Stereotypes ###### simple ideas about groups of ######, which ignore the fact that ###### groups are actually complex. In ###### United States, racial groups have ###### linked to stereotypes like being ###### at math, athletics and dancing. ###### stereotypes are well-known. Most Americans ###### hesitate if asked which racial ###### in this country is known ###### being the best at basketball.]]>
On the ###### hand, a person can also ###### a generalization that isn't common ###### society. Say a woman meets ###### few people from a particular ###### group and finds them to ###### excellent cooks. She may oversimplify ###### think that anyone from this ###### group has to be an ###### cook. She would be guilty ###### generalizing. But she would not ###### guilty of stereotyping.]]>
They Can Be Complicated

Stereotypes may refer ###### a specific gender, race, religion ###### country. But often they link ###### aspects of a person. This ###### known as intersectionality. For example, ###### stereotypes about black gay men.]]>
Because of ######, stereotypes can get quite layered ###### complicated. Even within the same ######, members may be categorized very ######. For example, the women of ###### certain racial group may be ###### as attractive. Meanwhile, the men ###### that same racial group may ###### stereotyped as unattractive, or vice ######.]]>
Can They Ever Be Good?

Positive stereotypes exist, but ###### are still harmful. All stereotypes ###### limiting. Stereotypes leave little to ###### room for individuality. Perhaps a ###### belongs to a racial group ###### for being very intelligent.]]>
Is There Truth In Stereotypes?

It's often said that ###### are rooted in truth. But ###### is not a valid statement. ###### who make this argument often ###### to justify their use of ######.]]>
Perhaps a society prevented ###### group of people from getting ###### jobs but welcomed them in ######. Over the years, members of ###### group became associated with the ###### they were actually allowed to ######.]]>
###### next time you're tempted to ###### a group of people, think ###### the groups to which you ######. List the stereotypes linked to ###### groups. Does each of those stereotypes apply to you? More than likely you'd ###### that all of the qualities ###### get attributed to those of ###### gender, racial group, sexual orientation ###### nation of origin describe you. ###### is why it's important to ###### specific individuals rather than the ###### they belong to.]]>