No, they often come from bigoted parents.
But they wouldn’t have such staying power if they didn’t have a significant degree of truth.
I don't know if that is intended as an indictment against me, but if it is you missed. Stereotypes are generally rooted in some truth based on past history. For instance, pit bulls. I am sure that all pit bulls are not viscious killers, but because of the breeds history and nature that is the impression that most people have of them(even many that own them). If you disagree, why don't you start fearlessly walking up to every pit bull you see and try petting him? I bet you won't do that.
The problems arise when people take them to the extreme, and are unwilling to evaluate people or things on an individual level.
Considering your tagline, what’s your take on the psalm that speaks of us being ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ by God, as regards being hardwired to some degree in what we uniquely find beautiful?
Granted, stereotypes and bigotry greatly impact people....
” No, they often come from bigoted parents.”
My stereotypes came about from experience, fortified by predictability.
Bigoted parents, bigoted friends, and bigoted mental litter from the surrounding culture are all factors, but there's more at work as well. Stereotypes often have roots in reality -- some aspect of the others' culture that rubs the wrong way. This can be picked up, exaggerated, and distorted but the underlying conflict is still there. Tom Sowell has written on this extensively and I think he's right.
This only becomes controversial when the stereotype is negative. We have many positive -- or at least benign and often humerous -- stereotypes as well. I'm sure some Asian Americans are bums with slacker kids. I've just never met any. Asian Americans are reputed to place a high emphasis on family, work, savings, and education. The stereotype certainly matches my admittedly limited experience. Not all cultures are equal and we can hardly help noticing the difference even if the PC police punish truth telling.