Two Perspectives-Can We Completely Avoid Stereotyping?
Two Perspectives is a monthly column with two different perspectives on the same topic from two different continents, cultures and genders viz Janet Smith Warfield, J.D., Sarasota, FL,USA and Dr Amit Nagpal, New Delhi, India Janet Smith Warfield's perspective Of course not, unless we want to stop talking completely. Words automatically create stereotypes: black versus white, tall versus short, fat versus thin. Words automatically divide and classify our sensory data. Words automatically simplify so we can understand and communicate. But let’s look for a minute at: 1. The intention behind creating a stereotype 2. The emotional content we give it. 3. The experiential context of the stereotype If you are in Tampa and ask for directions to Sarasota, your intention is to go from Tampa to Sarasota. Perhaps Paul tells you to drive 60 miles south on I-75 until you see a tall, fat, black post on the left s...