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From: strickln@ihlpa.UUCP (Stricklen)
Newsgroups: net.motss
Subject: Re: Out and about
Message-ID: <1095@ihlpa.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 7-Feb-86 08:48:33 EST
Article-I.D.: ihlpa.1095
Posted: Fri Feb  7 08:48:33 1986
Date-Received: Sun, 9-Feb-86 06:20:17 EST
References: <500@decwrl.DEC.COM> <224@isl1.ri.cmu.edu> <299@telesoft.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Lines: 38

> Stereotypes and generalizations are a two sided coin, what are the
> advantages, and disadvantages to having and using them?
  
Stereotyping and/or generalizing about a class of persons has the
advantage of saving one time and energy.  After all, one need not take
the time to get to know a new person's motivations; one need not listen.
One already knows all one wants to know about the person.  Quite obviously,
the greatest disadvantage is all the missed opportunities this habit
creates -- opportunities to create friendships which extend one's life
experience and knowledge.

> How important is acceptance, as opposed with tolerance?  What are the
> fundamental differences between intolerance, rejection and persecution?

The degree to which acceptance is important to a person depends directly
on how well she or he feels about herself/himself -- how satisfied they
are with their interpersonal relationship(s), how successful they feel
in their careers, how solidly they hold their morals....  To this
"solid" person, acceptance is not important -- but without tolerance,
others begin infringing on his or her pursuit of happiness.

Now on to a pet peeve of mine.  I am tired of the articles stating how
gay behavior in bars and other meeting places is less than savory.  What
does one expect in an atmosphere of competition -- where most persons
are motivated only to find the most gorgeous other, no matter the cost.
For those who believe this is peculiar to gay folks, I would suggest
spending an evening at a corner table in a straight singles bar
frequented by "regulars."  Gossip abounds -- as well as rampant
rejection.

I do not see any advantage to gay persons to highlighting their differences
from the general public.  I suspect closer scrutiny would reveal all
behaviors are largely predictable with an understanding of simple human
nature.

Steve Stricklen
AT&T Bell Laboratories
ihnp4!ihlpa!strickln