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From: rbg@cbosgd.UUCP (Richard Goldschmidt)
Newsgroups: net.women,net.singles
Subject: stereotypes
Message-ID: <182@cbosgd.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 27-Jul-84 14:47:23 EDT
Article-I.D.: cbosgd.182
Posted: Fri Jul 27 14:47:23 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 28-Jul-84 23:56:25 EDT
Distribution: net
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Columbus
Lines: 20



There has been a lot of discussion about the male macho stereotype.  
I think the emphasis on this topic is misplaced.  Stereotypes are of
limited value, generally, and this one is no different.  Saying that
men are macho assholes is like saying that women's place is in the 
kitchen or bedroom.  It misses all the traits that characterize an
individual.  When you label someone with a stereotype, it stops you
from seeing the rest of that person, and puts limits on acceptable
behavior.  If men think of themselves as macho, they don't try to
develop sensitivity.  Rather than discussing how much of the population
fits some gross stereotype, let's discuss how to break down stereotypes,
since they are barriers to communication and individuality, and how
we can develop better roles and modes of interaction.

Rich Goldschmidt    Nothing in life (that's worth much) is guaranteed

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