(Example at the end)

Usually we discuss stereotypes in terms of how they are harmful—which is good because it’s super important to recognize and confront the stereotypes that perpetuate systems of oppression and hurt. That doesn’t mean all of them are harmful, though. Some are neutral and and some are a net positive. If you can think of neutral ones that’s fine but I’m especially interested in the constructive and beneficial ones. Hopefully I’m explaining this well enough but if it becomes clear I didn’t I’ll delete this post.

Example: I usually encourage people, especially kids and pedestrians, to assume that drivers can’t see you. While it’s not necessarily true even a majority of the time, it’s nevertheless a constructive stereotype to hold in terms of road safety.

  • KoboldCoterie@pawb.social
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    6 months ago

    I don’t like your example. You aren’t telling your kids that drivers have bad eyes, or are blind, or are bad at situational awareness, you’re telling your kids to assume that they’re in the driver’s blind spot. That’s not a stereotype.

    If you were telling your kids that they should be more cautious around women drivers because they’re bad at driving, that would be a stereotype (but not a constructive one).

    • spujb@lemmy.cafeOP
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      6 months ago

      Sounds like your definition of stereotype innately excludes instances not involving demographics, such as gender or disability. While I think it’s valid to have this definition, it isn’t universal and isn’t the definition that I am applying my question to so there isn’t anything I can glean from this. Thank you for your response.