Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10 3/23/84; site cbosgd.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxl!cbosgd!rbg 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: 20There 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 UUCP: {ucbvax|ihnp4|decvax|allegra}!cbosgd!rbg ARPA: cbosgd!rbg@Berkeley.ARPA