Something funny I noticed recently in a social experiment some students were conducting, in form of a Facebook group. The discussion board there was very active, and I wondered what do all these people have in common to be having such a lively discussion board.
The topic was “stereotype the person above you“. During their experiment, there was a new post every few seconds. I wanted to post as well, but every time I refreshed the page there were several new comments already. (meaning it wouldn’t be about the person above me, but about 4 persons up).
I kept thinking, what made all these people, and myself, want to know what is the stereotype people might have of them?
May 20, 2008 at 7:44 pm
It;s human nature to wonder what others think of you even complete strangers. However the degree to how much it matters varies on the person. As some people who are totally at peace with themselves and what they have to offer really don’t care too much what others perceive at first sight so to speak as long as they feel good about themselves and what they bring to the table. Others lacking more confidence may take others even strangers first perceptions to heart.
May 20, 2008 at 7:47 pm
One more thought it also ties into ego feeding some people need to hear good things to feel good it helps to build them up. They need to feel they matter if even to a stranger.
May 21, 2008 at 3:58 pm
It makes sense, and there are no doubt many reasons, but I think there is another very simple answer – Curiosity.
May 21, 2008 at 4:31 pm
I agree. It is human nature to be curious. Just make sure your ready to handle what you may hear or find out. Sometimes the risk of finding out isn’t worth the loss you may encounter by knowing.
May 22, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Some people don’t like to read their horoscope or get someone to analyze their hand etc for those reasons. You never know what you might find out. But in those cases it’s more of a prophecy which can fulfill itself. That’s why there’s an additional risk in it.
May 22, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Well that’s entirely different now isn’t it. Horoscopes and such are based on a broad amount of information that you as the consumer navigate through the information and perceive it to apply or not apply to your own life. Personally I don’t take much stock in such things. Yes fun to read or hear but seriously they mean little. What takes real risk is going after what you want.
May 22, 2008 at 5:32 pm
I personally don’t take much stock in those things either… that’s why I think it is similar to stereotypes – it’s a certain perception, which holds true about you only if you give it that place as part of you. It’s not inherent in you.
May 22, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Yes to a degree they correlate. However, horoscopes and such are broad information put out there that the consumer pulls from the application to their own life, experiences, hopes, dreams what have you.
Stereotypes are made based on others perceptions of you by looks, lifestyle, culture and how they think you fit into those categories not truly taking into the account your own unique personality, life experiences, goals, values and so on.
So no neither is inherent in you although although seeking your horoscope is far less damaging then a stereotype as most stereotypes are based on a very broad perception on people in general of a certain perceived similarity.