[tw268]

What do you call a stereotype when it is backed by statistical data? The a priori belief that is most common is that no stereotypes are true. It's the polite thing to believe. But if you are of a certain analytical mindset, you can be argued out of it with enough data and anecdotal evidence from friends.

[Jun8]

An oxymoron :-), i.e. stereotypes are by definition not backed by reliable data (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stereotype)

[jack-r-abbit]

Not to split hairs... but your link defines Stereotype (noun): an often unfair and untrue belief that many people have about all people or things with a particular characteristic

Note the word often which does not mean always.

Often (adverb): many times : on many occasions

Always (adverb): at all times

So a stereotype, by definition, may be true... though often is not.

[omonra]

What do you call an accurate assessment of a group that may be unflattering or unpleasant?

And what if said assessment is correct in 90% of the cases - how do the 10% for whom it fails would feel?

[tw268]

Black people really do commit a lot of crime in America, it's not just a "stereotype". And particularly, young black people, and particularly young black males. Black males between the ages of 14 and 24 commit 27% of all murders, despite being 1% of the population.

It's not scrawny white twitter engineers who are shooting each other in San Francisco

[csense]

It's not entirely race. I'm certain that e.g. poverty and lack of opportunity play a role as well. Growing up without access to money, good schools, or positive role models can be crippling to success regardless of race.

[tw268]

Poor whites and Hispanics aren't nearly as dangerous as poor (young, male) blacks. There is not another comparable group that manages to commit 27% of murders as 1% of the population. That's a huge ratio.

Keep in mind, most black males will never kill anyone. But black males commit a plurality of murders in the US. And 1 in 3 will spend some time in jail in his life. 1 in 7 American black men are in jail at any moment.

Remember, there are more whites in poverty than total blacks in the United States, and blacks commit 48% of murders.

If you're in an urban environment, don't be a progressive hero and try not to avoid young black males. It can be dangerous[1][2]

[1] http://isteve.blogspot.com/2013/11/yglesias-i-wasnt-victim-o...

[2] http://isteve.blogspot.com/2013/08/all-we-have-to-fear-is-in...

[tw268]

What I'm trying to say is not all racial stereotypes describe a false belief, though it is fashionable to think so.

[csense]

> What do you call a stereotype when it is backed by statistical data?

An inconvenient truth. Or perhaps the elephant in the room.