Overgeneralized beliefs about a group of people that often underlie prejudicial emotions are called stereotypes. Stereotypes are widely held but fixed and oversimplified images or ideas of a particular type of person or thing and can be positive or negative in nature. They can influence the way we perceive and interact with others and can be a source of prejudice.
Stereotypes are often based on limited or inaccurate information and can be harmful as they lead to unfair generalizations and can perpetuate prejudice. It is important to challenge stereotypes and to be aware of the potential impact they can have on our thoughts and actions.
