propaganda technique

Stereotyping

Also called: Labelling groups

Stereotyping attributes fixed traits to everyone in a group, so that individuals are judged by the group label instead of by what they say or do.

How it works

Stereotypes are mental shortcuts that make large groups feel predictable. In persuasion they turn a disliked trait into a reason to dismiss or fear the whole group.

Examples

"Of course he's bad with money, he's an artist."

A group label replaces evidence about the individual.

"Young people don't want to work anymore."

A broad trait is assigned to millions of different people.

How to spot it

"They all..." or "typical...".
Traits assigned by group membership.
Individual evidence is ignored.

How to respond

Ask for evidence about the specific person or case.
Point out variation within the group.
Notice whose stereotypes are treated as common sense.