Why we stereotype others and how we can stop. | David Locher | TEDxMSSU

The simple explanation of the errors in our brains' way of seeing the world that led to the creation of stereotypes and prejudices and how we can stop making those errors and, ultimately, stop stereotypes and prejudice. It begins with a step-by-step guide to how our brains trick us into creating stereotypes and how those lead to prejudices and discrimination, explains why we do these things without realizing it, and concludes with helpful advice on how to avoid the trap. David Locher is a Professor of Sociology at Missouri Southern State University, author of a textbook on collective behavior, and winner of two outstanding teaching awards. Born in Akron, Ohio to a machinist father and stay-at-home mother, he worked his way through college, earning a PhD in Sociology at Kent State University. David lives in Southwest Missouri with his family, where in addition to teaching sociology he occasionally builds electric guitars from scratch and customizes classic cars. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@donspradley6912]

This was a more powerful message than it will get credit for!! Since the “pandemic” I have leaned into politics for the first time in my 44 years of life. Through this journey I’ve become frustrated to say the least so I’ve been searching for the answers to this frustration. This message and more of The Bible seems to be it! Man I would love to help spread this message so that we can become The Inited States of America again and stop the hate. ❤🇺🇸

[@destinieroque4003]

I really appreciated this presentation. I walked past Dr. Locher at the May 2023 graduation (where my spouse was graduating), and I momentarily made eye contact. I immediately remembered him to have been my professor over ten years ago. I was intrigued to see this presentation posted, and I was just as impressed as I remember being as a former student. Thank you for your work!

[@nicolarobak2073]

thank you

[@TruthDefender]

WE HAVE STEREOTYPES FOR A REASON...

[@totalpartykill999]

he is essentially describing the dangers of inductive reasoning.

[@davelocher9585]

Or at least the dangers of inductive reasoning taken much too far!

[@guillermoelnino]

@@davelocher9585 aka statistics being made into useful information.

[@davidlocher2131]

@@guillermoelnino I think you may be confusing generalizations with stereotypes. A generalization like "young men commit far more violent crime than any other age or gender category" is correct, but a stereotype like "young men are all violent criminals" is not. Are you a violent criminal? It is useful for me to believe that you are?? Of course not - it just leads me to treat you in a way that has nothing to do with who you are as an individual human being.

[@guillermoelnino]

Every stereotype is based on reality. To deny it is to deny relality. No wonder those in power say they're bad.

[@TheAlexisRenae]

Just because it’s based on a reality from actions from a few people in each race, does not mean that everyone of that entire race is the same.

[@davidlocher2131]

There is nothing useful about misjudging people or treating them unfairly. Stereotypes are not based on reality, they are based on people's perceptions of reality. Those are two very different things. Surely at least once in your life someone has seriously misjudged you based on your age or ethnicity or the way you were dressed or some other external factor? Did that not make you angry?

[@davidlocher2131]

If anyone has any comments or questions please feel free to post them and I will be happy to respond

[@Xxrocknrollgod]

This has like no views. But stereotyping can save your life and is only natural. Grow up

[@davelocher9585]

​@MrYo888779 did you watch the video or are you just responding to the title. The very first thing I say is that stereotyping comes naturally to us. I then explain how & why our brains trick us into believing stereotypes are useful when, in fact, they are not.

[@Xxrocknrollgod]

@@davelocher9585 i did watch the video but its not a “trick” and its not a “mistake” . Its survival

[@ItsFundamental]

This was a good talk, on an important topic that needs to be spoken about more. I was going to ask, do you think you can feel that sense of belonging without falling victim to the cognitive biases?

[@davidlocher2131]

Great question,@@ItsFundamental! I would say we can definitely reduce them dramatically and still feel a strong sense of belonging. It requires changing our mindset to stop thinking in terms of who is better or worse. Focusing on our common humanity and reminding ourselves that all humans are individuals goes a long way. Creating an "us" does not have to mean degrading or demonizing outsiders if we remember that we are ALL "us." I feel a strong sense of belonging in my family but I do not think poorly of every other family in the world. That same thinking can be extended to any social group or category.