just a generalization

As we learned it is human nature to generalize and create categories. Not that creating categories or using generalizations is wrong, it's just the way we do things when we are in certain situations. The problem with these generalizations is that we tend not to second guess the way we perceive things. Therefore our generalizations are less accurate then we would like to believe. To learn how to use our generalizations in a different way we need to be able to step back from the category and realize that not every person in our generalization will fit into it. When someone doesn't fit into a category we created that is called a stereotype. Stereotyping is the flaw with generalizations because, for example, if someone said that all Caucasians had mini vans that is our generalization. For the sake of the argument lets say that for the most part that is true, but if you went up to a Caucasian person and didn't know who they were and assumed they had a mini van that would be a stereotype. What if the person doesn't have a mini van? This is the flaw with how humans generalize. It may make us intelligent but at the same time it redirects our perspective and makes us less accurate in our assumptions. Everyone is guilty of doing this. One time I had a substitute teacher for one of my classes. I have categorized that all substitute teachers don't know what there doing and it will be an easy day. Unfortunately I stereotyped the sub because that person had a degree in the subject we were learning and made us do a lot of work. I generalized that all substitute teachers were there just to pass on the time,but little did I know she also taught the subject. Even though we make these categories as a way of intelligent thinking, we are at fault because our perceptions are thrown off at the individuals that don't fit the category.