Stereotypes and Group Characteristics

This is a difficult subject. We are often told that stereotypes are wrong. To be clear, the act of applying a stereotype to an individual who is not acting in any sort of stereotypical way is morally wrong, and we should teach people not to do this. But is it wrong to notice that stereotypes come from real intergroup differences in attitude, behavior, and culture? And when we refuse to see that these differences exist, could it distort our public discussions with un-truths and half-truths? I talk about the impact of stereotyping, and of the variance in group characteristics that leads to the formation of a stereotype. I talk about the relevance of this issue to our political discourse, and "equity" in particular. And finally, I talk about the disconnect between the elites and the working class when it comes to acknowledging that these group differences exist.

00:00 Intro
00:13 Are stereotypes inaccurate?
01:42 Features of a stereotype
05:19 When is it wrong?
06:56 When is it not wrong?
10:34 Impact of Stereotypes
13:23 Relevance to politics
14:39 The working class

[petra_cheung]

I agree that stereotypes exist for a reason. They are often statistically undeniable. The thing is we should treat each individual as an individual and don't judge someone by the groups they belong and especially the innate attributes that they have no control over.

[juliekring]

This reminds me of that worker at Chipotle who was doxxed and fired from her job, because she had been caught on camera accusing a black man of dining and dashing. What hadn't been shown in the video was that the same man and his friends had dined and dashed several times over the weeks prior. The damage to that girls life and mental health cannot be undone, and it was because someone used the idea that racial stereotypes are purely systemic racism against her. (Because he wanted free chipotle, which is disgusting.) He was in fact relying on a new stereotype, which is that white women are Karen's who call the cops on Black men for no reason. It's unfortunate because nobody had the curiosity to ask her what happened until it was too late.

[RodPruitt]

I start by saying that I'm a 57 year old black man, only because we're talking about groups. So, my group membership is germane. My comment is that this is one of the most well thought-out, articulately presented presentation I have ever had the pleasure of receiving. Your parents should be very proud of you young man.

[WayneLyons]

As a male working in a female dominated industry, I am constantly shocked by comments made by my female colleagues about men., not because I'm offended by what they say but rather the absolute lack of discretion they demonstrate. There is not even a twinge of consciousness that their statements are inappropriate in a professional setting. If I were to make even the most innocuous generalisation about women, not only would I face an immediate hostile reaction, but I could well find myself the subject of disciplinary action. Now most of my female colleagues are wonderful, hard-working professional and supportive, but I have noticed it is the ones who are the most vocal about matters of gender, race, and social justice that are most like to openly make inappropriate and disparaging comments about men in the workplace, who are also the most likely to take offence and report perceived offensive comments to management.

[jacksquat]

I would posit that stereotypes may also stem from the human brain's tendency to sort everything into categories so it has to do less work. Treating each individual person as a completely new set of independent variables sure takes a lot of effort.

[davidr]

Pattern recognition is a survival trait. We're evolved to look for and identify patterns.

[geeksanonymous]

"An uncomfortable truth, is truth none the less." Yes, exactly. I love how you lay it all out, your Skittle examples are right on. Your language and ability to use scientific reasoning show what a great education you have. 👏 Keep educating others with this platform.

[IsomerSoma]

The problem i have with this is that there are quite a lot of stereotypes which are simply false and are in contradiction to statistics. There are cognitive biases, highly limited information, cultural biases and other factors leading to a distortion of what is what isnt the case. It is quite important to check if the stereotypes one holds are reasonable by looking beyond just anecdotal experience and perception shaped by media. You are right about group difference existing - i am just not so sure if most people have a clear picture of these differences.

[Dylinthedark]

Just saw your video on white people and now finished this one. You have a very refreshing, well-articulated manner of getting your points across. Subbed and looking forward to more of your videos!

[ineedtostopwatchingyoutube]

It’s been so long since I heard someone say the plain truth that I almost thought I had started daydreaming

[wesleyruff]

this is the longest, most convoluted preamble to a "small Asian dick" joke ive ever heard, but no seriously this guy is pretty smart, its a shame people just dismiss his ideas simply because hes "on the wrong" side my dude is out here trying to actually create discourse and understanding. there should be more people like him on both sides

[lovelyc]

Positive stereotypes are not always true either . A lot of external factors like the media influences how we see things and what we see. Things are not always how they seem or see.

[dingleberrysnigglefritz]

I don't really know why this was fed to me, but I'm so thankful it was. Your clear thinking and expression is so refreshing. Liked and subbed.

[ChrisWill]

We must protect this man at all cost. This kind of truth is too rare. He's pushing back against the gaslighting. Heuristics are an important part of how human beings process information. Because of heuristics, you will NEVER get rid of stereotypes.

[OliBarrettTravel]

Protect this man at all costs. You’re eloquently narrating thoughts I’ve been having over recent years and even expanding my thinking.

Thank you Charlie!

[arsenal]

your last couple videos have shoved you into recommended for some
please keep up these topic and analysis
win-win because these topic are what people want so that they can be argumentatively armed against our irrational social landscape

[wimsylogic]

Wow😊 I can understand and picture everything you're explaining. I couldn't wrap my head around it back when I was in school. Color me impressed. You are very skilled at taking complex concepts and expressing them in a relatable, easily to understand Way. You give examples that are very easy to picture, I find that so very helpful. Thank you. 😊

[melissacook]

stereotypes stem from truth, but stereotypes can be caused by a lot of things. Like violence, if a group of people grow up in violent areas in poverty then a cycle is created. I think it's important to understand people are not always born with these stereotypes, it can be caused by a bad culture. Passing down generational traumas. Nice video :)

[jpurser]

I personally came to this conclusion, when I was accused of being racist. I believe "color blindness" is harmful. I see color. not with hatred but with curiosity. Everyone has rich and unique perspectives but if we dilute our vision because we're scared of stereotyping ourselves then we harm ourselves and others who would benefit from our perspective.

[YolichM]

You deserve far more subs. Thank you for your content in today’s tumultuous times.