Posted by TexasChic on June 20, 2006, at 20:53:44
In reply to In this post I will explain my comments., posted by Michael83 on June 20, 2006, at 20:23:35
Okay, this is what I almost posted eariler, but I refrained because of fear of being misunderstood. So try to keep in mind I'm not trying to say anything negative in any way. Wow, I'm making this sound much worse than it usually is. I just like to be very careful with posting.
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Sounds like you're talking about the shallow, materialistic type of person compared to the type who are deeper and try to think of others. Of course, to assume people fall into either catagory based on appearances alone would be presumptuous, but I get what you were trying to say. I guess its hard to tell when someone is generalizing to make a point and when they literally believe EVERY person in the category is that way. Like when I say, "This ALWAYS happens to me!" Do I mean it really always happens, or am I exagerating to make the point that it happens alot? (That may not be the most apt example, but it was the only thing I could think of to make my point).
Minivan driving soccer moms have a certain reputation, but to assume EVERY minivan driving soccer mom is the same would be ridiculous. Its like the 'dumb blonde' thing I have to put up with. If someone literally believed hair color affected intelligence, well, I think that person's intelligence would be more questionable than the blonde's.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, people will use 'stereotypes' (for lack of a better word) to make a point, figuring most people know they don't REALLY mean everyone in that category is that way. But when in this environment (chatroom), there is a much higher possibility for it to be misconstrued. So I guess you have to try to proof posts thinking, 'could this be taken literally?'
I hope this makes sense.
-T
poster:TexasChic
thread:658960
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20060618/msgs/659442.html