People often subject others to a variety of stereotypes, accusing them of being a certain way without regard for the kind of person they actually are. Stereotypes are one or more generalizations about a group of people, whether negative or positive, based on the fact that a majority of them share said characteristic (McLeod). Even as people have become aware of the dire consequences of labeling, stereotypes have persisted unabated in our culture. For what? Stereotypes, whether racial, based on gender, religion, age, etc., continually permeate our society because it is difficult to undermine the psychological aspects of stereotypes, because of the media and because it is easier for people to cope with it. certain situations where they can generalize a group of people. The process of stereotyping a person is a cognitive and psychological process. People receive certain information and their minds process it, imbibing it deep into the mental crevices of the brain. Once the mind has processed the first few pieces of information, it begins to develop a response. After a few occurrences with a specific group of people who behave similarly, the brain begins to associate that behavior with that group of people. It then becomes second nature, a subconscious response, for the brain to stereotype a group of people based on previous encounters (“The Cognitive Roots of Stereotyping”). Although people, in fact the majority, recognize the fallacy of stereotypes, sometimes there is nothing they can do about it. It's not always a conscious decision to view a group of people a certain way, in fact most of the time it's probably an innocent mistake. The stereotypes range from the mild to the caustic and biting which undoubtedly offend...... middle of paper ......a popular group; this allows them to avoid all the arduous research and analysis necessary to develop even a vaguely accurate representation of the group of people they encounter. Works CitedCloud, John. “How the stereotypes beat the stereotypes – TIME.” Latest News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Videos, Tech Reviews - TIME.com. Internet. November 6, 2011. “The cognitive roots of stereotypes. » Adam.oliner.net. Internet. November 6, 2011. McLeod, Saul. “Stereotypes”. Psychology articles for A-level and university studies. Internet. November 6, 2011. “Cultural Questions and Answers: Stereotypes, Causes of Violence and Wealth in American Culture.” » Counseling Services – Marriage, Family and Addiction Counselors | Advice. Internet. November 6, 2011. “Stereotypes and prejudices. » Holocaust cybrary remembering survivors' stories - Remember.org. Internet. November 6. 2011.