[BarryRX]

Originally Posted by joerocker

Ok...then "typing" is what we do and should do. We see similarities between groups and through experience can predict similar behavior from other members of the same group. Just drop the "stereo", the "unfair" part. Drawing conclusions as to others future actions is a crucial part of maturation and development. Otherwise you keep falling for the same "tricks" over and over. I don't know why "typing" is officially frowned upon. Thieves steal over and over. Pedophiles molest over and over. Other groups have habitual "weaknesses" over and over. Only their actions are deemed "acceptable" and "typing" them verboten.





Michael Shermer also does a newsletter called "sceptic".

Confirmation bias. When you only listen to and accept that which agrees with your current view. If you like something, you only recognize that which is positive towards it. If you don't, you only recognize that which is negative towards it. It's a very common thought process. Everyone does it naturally. You have to go out of your way, feel like you're wasting your time, to listen to the other side. It's a very strong natural tendency.

We are conditioned from infancy to believe this and that. For most, it's only when shown by "authority" that belief is suspended. Many lies DO extend well into adulthood. Those lies are the things "we're not supposed to discuss". Because they (people depending on us believing) don't want us to REALLY examine the issues. It's why we don't discuss religion or politics.

Many continue to carry many childhood beliefs forever.



IMO, most people believe what they're told. Be it reading, lecture, conversation, whatever. If someone "credible" says it, it's true. I think very few actually "test" what they're told. I'm one of them. Everyone who knows me knows "I'll look it up, I'll check it out". My "big" beliefs all came through my own research. That is why my views on the big things (religion, politics, individual rights, etc.), are not what most people believe. There's a lot of misinformation out there. Misdirection is a better word.

The only "truth" I know is we don't know the truth. Knowing that you can go to 10 different people and get 10 different "truths" about religion, why are you still religious? There are many completely different religions in the world. Within those major religions, there are thousands of different sects. Each professing that they know the truth. My bet, and what I believe is, none of them know "the truth".

Nice discussion...

There is a flaw in your logic. Of course thieves steal and pedophiles molest. But we are talking about stereotypes and prejudice. If you says thieves steal, well that's pretty obvious. But if you were to say that Italian Americans steal because they are members of the mafia, then that is stereotyping and prejudice. No doubt there are some Italian Americans who belong to the mafia, but most do not. (please forgive me Italian Americans, I am just using a foolish stereotype to illustrate a point.) You said that "other groups" have habitual weaknesses. Why don't you let us know what you perceive those group weaknesses to be. I think that if you list them it will more likely point out your personal prejudices than actual facts. I am both Jewish and of Polish heritage (and very proud of both), so I would be particularly interested in hearing the weaknesses of my groups.