[Yatin Samant]

I think ‘stereotyping’ is a part of natural human tendency of ‘simplification’

We do this naturally in our routine purchases by shortlisting brands we have identified as ‘good for us ‘ post initial search & then keep repeating them unless disrupted by new factor – to save the agony of undertaking a fresh search , in every purchase

We simplify our work through setting up processes & rules , rather than reinventing wheel every time

‘Stereotyping’ is similarly simplifying our process of ‘ understanding’ a person , a nationality , a group , an event , an aspect etc – which is actually an advantage of stereotyping , in a way that it helps us get a ‘ broad’ picture – a directional outline – this helps us get a feel – what to expect , especially of the previously unknown . This is about seeking ( common minimum ) unity among diversity

The flip side of it is the danger of following into a trap of mistaking all to be identical photocopies – to be rigid / inflexible in our recognising & allowing for diversity among unity – now allowing for individualities among commonalities – Worse side effect of it is to pre implant our biases on individuals , even prior exposure to individuals

This happens if we mistake direction for the destination

In sum I think – stereotyping helps in drawing an ‘ outline’ of the object we wish to know more about – though we need to be alert enough to use it only as a ( default ) template & not pre impose details of features of an individual on to the template , till we meet her/ him

[Yatin Samant]

Our drive to make our World , a better place , needs to be firmly rooted in our conviction that , ” with my contribution , if the world becomes a better place than it is today – I too am a beneficiary of that Enhanced World ! “

Hence our efforts to help a better world is not a favour or just an obligation , but it is intently to our advantage too – since our interests & existence are so intrinscally merged

Having realised that ; the first & biggest contribution towards making the world a better place is , is to work on Self to make ( self ) a Better person than I was yesterday/ am today . This is based on following realisations :

1. I have scope to make a Big difference to my surrounding , including people – which has potential to add positively or negatively . I need to ensure that in the least I do not add negatively

2. Self is the only person / entity on which I can exercise maximum influence for transformation I should not waste time in ‘ transforming’ others , over whom I have no control ; instead invest in self for a positive rub off on the world , I connect with

3. Let me invest in ‘ Understanding’ others , than transforming – as Understanding alone leads to transformation

[Yatin Samant]

Good Idea

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