Flaws In Stereotypes: Informal Logic

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Flaws in Stereotypes PHI 103: Informal Logic Stacey Miller 17 Sept 2012 Flaws in Stereotypes What is a stereotype? Simply, it is a generalization or belief about a group/type of people where all are lumped together under the same attributes or characteristics. Stereotypes can be positive or negative, friendly or unfriendly, but almost always there are distortions and errors in fact because they do not take into consideration the numerous character variations within that group. These “classifications” cover a multitude of groups or people, including race, religion, nationalities, celebrities, age groups, job types, and more; you name it, and there’s a stereotype for the group. Stereotypes are easier to create when actions are visible…show more content…
If a person wears clothes that don’t match or look old, kids will say they are poor; so they must not be cool or they must be geeky. If a girl wears an outfit that is considered too revealing, she might be considered “cool and popular” or “skimpy and easy”. If a boy wears his pants really low or his shirts really long he might be known as a bully or tough guy. In earlier generations, there were groups known as jocks, brainiacs, punks, and preppies; today, the most common misconception is that every teen only cares about himself/herself; or gossip-ridden, hormone-raging, or out of control. Kids today are really no different than we were when we walked the halls of middle school and high school. The only real difference is the name/term used to describe a particular group of young people. The word “emo” describes a group as being “emotional”; in the 1980s, a similar group was known as “punks” or “punk rockers”. Today’s “emo” crowd is just a new wave of punk rockers, with a few variable differences. The preppy group is still around. They still don expensive jeans and brand name labels. A new term – or group – found in today’s urban dictionary is “hipster”. Here, we can find a plethora of labels like “maybe gay”, “complainer” or “probably living off parent’s money”. These grandiose titles are generalizations and quite frankly, have no truth behind them; once again, another stereotype. In the sixties, this “hipster” group was known as “hippies”. Today, we’ll find this group described as a middle class youngster, mostly into fashion, trendsetting, and in tune with the eclectic and modern world. They are thought to love independent films, art, and alternative music. Hipsters keep a culturally diverse lifestyle, and are interested in politics, thrift stores, and organic food, even eating as a vegetarian or vegan. Ensuring they uphold the “hip” and “cool” repertoire, it is vital for

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