In defense of stereotypes.

• Author: Kreyche, Gerald F.

Next to the claim of racism, the charge of stereotype is one of the most abused in today's climate of political correctness. Invariably, it carries a negative connotation and accordingly is branded an untruth.

Can the case against stereotypes be made less formidable? Certainly, no one objects to generalizations as long as they stay at that level and are grounded in palpable fact. Who would deny that there are categories such as rebellious teenagers, reserved Englishmen, or excitable Latinos, even though exceptions abound. Is it so wrong to claim that such generalizations are nothing less than legitimate stereotypes of the people cited?

Nearly everyone recognizes that the bible-thumpers belong stereotypically to their own genre. Have we not all encountered the fictional Elmer Gantrys in real life, such as convicted felon Jim Bakker, weeping Jimmy Swaggart, and Oral Roberts of the 600-foot Jesus fame? Most are fundamentalist and exude the belief that they and they alone have an inside track to the mind of the Deity. They all seemingly are practiced in their cherubic smiles. Their eyes move slowly heavenward as they finger a familiar biblical text. They rant at the backsliders who merit Satan's fire and brimstone. (The story is told of a hell-raiser writing out his morning sermon. Among the reminder marginal notes, he added, At this point, shout like hell, for your argument is very weak!") Such preachers actually pride themselves in promoting their stereotypic image, for this is part of a role-acting technique.

Stereotypes, like cartoon caricatures, usually are grounded in reality. The "ski noses" of Richard Nixon and Bob Hope, Bill Clinton's jowls, and Dolly Parton's figure all have been exaggerated by cartoonists, but are solidly based. So, too, with stereotypes.

A question of tone

The objection usually comes when they are negative rather than positive in tone. The Dutch, Germans, and Asians are proud to be considered neat, industrious, and smart. Characterize the French as unfriendly to tourists, though, and they would object that this is a stereotype. To say they are romantic lovers, however, would win their assent with an emphatic "Oui!"

AARP, the American Association of Retired Persons, usually is incensed when many oldsters (senior citizens, to be politically correct) are characterized as fumbling and slow to learn and adopt new ideas in the home or workplace. Many seem to live in their own little world. With age usually comes a loss of...