Criminal Profiling?

[Callie]

Do you honestly "criminal profile" people or stereotype people?
For example, if you see a person walking down the street, do you stereotype them as a certain type of person just because of their race, clothes, hairstyles?

I try not to but I know I do... like when I get on an airplane, I am always scared of people who may look like terrorists. I know it is bad. Or if I am driving through the center of a notoriously dangerous city and I see a scary looking person, I freak out and push the lock button on my car door!

It is better to stereotype and be safe then to not!

[Callie]

Your right! I do it too! I really try not too, but sometimes it is really hard. However, I think that it is weird that people tell me that I look like I have never even drank a beer, so I wonder how many "crazy's" there are out there that we believe to be "Normal" just because they look and dress nice.

HAHAHA yeah most of the time the stereotypes are wrong. You must look really young or innocent! LOL

[Callie]

Originally Posted by IMNavyBlue You must look really young or innocent! LOL

I don't think so, but I am constantly getting carded people always say that I look about 17 or so. I don't think so!!! Also people look at me funny when I say something about "My husband" LOL!!! They say, "how old are you? Your married?"

[Kat]

Better to be safe than sorry.

I personally go through it ALOT because I have many visible tattoos and piercings. You wouldnt know that I am a baptist that goes to church, believes fully in God, cherish my child with all I have. I dont drink, or do drugs. Never been to jail. Etc... but I do get stereotyped alot. But it doesnt bother me. I know who I am and I know how I treat and act to other people and that is all that matters.

[harrisonsdream]

what do you mean by criminal profiling? i mean if a cop pulls you over b/c you are black or a young male or whatever then yes it is wrong. if you mean oh this person is already a suspect and we need to use profiling to see if his MO is the same then no

[sdshorty]

I've stereotyped others, just how I am constantly stereoptyped myself. Its human nature, everyone subconciously will automatically 'think' something of someone for belonging to a particular group of people. Doesn't have to be necessarily race or nationality, but EVERYONE stereotypes based on one thing or another, whether it be age, sex, whatever. Anyone that says they don't stereotype others to me is being hypocritical.

[Becca]

I do...but I don't mean to. For example, the other day we were driving to downtown Charleston. We took the wrong exit (I was driving) and wound up in a seedy part of town. I almost subconciously reached over and hit the door locks so that no one could open the doors from outside. I am wierd like that, paranoid that I'll wind up carjacked or something. DH just laughed at me and said "What...you scared?".

Then I felt bad. It's not their fault they live in the ghetto of Charleston. I hate that sometimes my internal judge goes on autopilot and I make stupid assumptions like that.

[Rach]

Yeah, I admit I do but I don't ACT like I am. It's a first impression but I give them a chance. If they look crazy, like someone who could kill me, than i keep my distance, lol.