!42! Topic #6: Groups

This comes out of the discussion we were, well, trying to have in class today -- and we need to do something about that, because it seems to be completely falling apart in this class.  Maybe we'll try having silent discussions.

At any rate, I realize that this is a difficult topic, and one that requires some real self- analysis, but I do want you to give it a genuine attempt.

What clique do you belong to?  What stereotypes do you match?  It may be enough if you simply appear to match the stereotypes, since much of this comes from how others perceive us, but it can be very interesting to see who actually does fit the categories.

If others perceive you/refer to you as matching a stereotype, if others put you into a clique, do you think it is at all accurate, or is it simply stuff and nonsense?  Do stereotypes affect you at all?  Do they harm or inconvenience you?  (Try to think about all stereotypes: those of race, gender, and age, as well as those of social group and so forth.)

Lastly, in what ways do you tend to stereotype other people?  Are your stereotypes, in your opinion, harmful or simply convenient?