The broad and narrow

We've been conditioned to believe that stereotypes are bad. That is not necessarily true. Some stereotypes are useful because they can help us to negotiate through unfamiliar situations. If we believe, stereotypically, that all Steelers fans are crazy, then we are more apt to approach them cautiously lest we inadvertently incite an incident. Stereotypes are generalities by their nature. They describe large groups...general identifiable populations.

Stereotyping loses some of its value as it is transferred from the general to the particular. You may know a Steeler fan (only one) who is not crazy. Dedicated, loyal and enthusiastic, but is someone who can be civil and polite. Perhaps, over time, you may meet other Steeler fans who exhibit positive attributes of social discourse, and your earlier stereotype of the Steeler fans may begin to fade.

Conservatives, Libertarians and Objectivists tend to appreciate the individual. They generally recognize that while we all may have something in common with various "groups," each of us is unique...possessing varying talents, skills, likes and dislikes. Each individual has been created to achieve and enjoy as much as her or his personal toolbox will allow. For individuals to be constantly forced to succumb to the standards of the group results in a high level of personal frustration and discouragement.

Liberals, progressives and marxists glorify the group while diminishing or isolating the individual. It's a rather Darwinian view that assumes that all members of a species, who share similar environmental characteristics, are alike. Thus, in the political realm leftists often strive to legislate broadly to marginalize individuals. This great levelling of society undermines initiative and self determinism. "Hate speech and hate crimes" are leftist methods for minimizing individualism and maximizing sameness. Diversity, multiculturalism and minority affairs are mechanisms for raising up the group at the expense of the individual.

With individualism comes freedom. If one can act in her/his best interests by following her own preferences and desires, then the group mentality becomes a barrier. If the group mentality prevails, however, the individual's initiative and creativity is smothered by a cloud of conformity. Big government, global corporations and any other mega-entity are incapable of dealing with and encouraging the individual. They mistrust free-thinkers and seek to render them impotent. The challenge for lovers of liberty and freedom is to consistently and effectively resist the efforts of those who would wedge them into stereotypical pigeonholes.