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To: Question_Assumptions
Assuming the worst of a person based on their race, ethnicity, sex, or class on the basis of negative stereotypes even when they aren't true is pretty much the core of bigotry.

That is a perfect description of the Obamas and their cadre. Your a genius.

168 posted on 07/11/2009 1:02:53 PM PDT by Stentor
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To: Stentor
That is a perfect description of the Obamas and their cadre. Your a genius.

There are plenty of bigots on the left. Years ago there was a review of a book called Stereotype Accuracy in National Review and that book (which I purchased) shows that a lot of what the left has convinced people about stereotypes is wrong and most people simply use them to improve their ability to predict things about a person they otherwise know little about. Most people know and acknowledge that stereotypes aren't entirely accurate for individuals.

In the course of considering that book and wondering how bigotry fits in, I came to realize that what separates the bigot from the way a normal person uses stereotypes is that (A) the bigot focuses only on negative stereotypes, (B) the bigot refuses to revise their belief in negative stereotypes if they are shown to be false, and (C) instead of revising their predictions about a person to what they know about that individual as they get to know them, the bigot never abandons the stereotype and sticks to that even instead of what they know to be true about the person.

This is why a lot of the comments associating Obama with "ghetto" stereotypes feel bigoted to me. From everything we know about Obama, they are more aloof snobs than people from the 'hood and Obama is more of a geek than gangsta rapper. Yet people insist on fitting them into those negative black stereotypes even though we know better.

195 posted on 07/11/2009 1:17:25 PM PDT by Question_Assumptions
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