Okay, I'm looking for thoughts and opinions on this subject.
I've heard from a lot of people, especially Christians, that we shouldn't stereotype. That we should wait to get to know someone and their heart before we put them into any categories.
HOWEVER, I worked in a restaurant in Hawaii for several years and met people from literally all over the world. There was a constant flow of people from other countries, states, ethnic backgrounds, with different cultural lifestyles... everything, all the time. I never thought that stereotypes were true before but as time went on, I began to realize that they're there for a reason.
Not all, of course, but many. There were always a few people a week who would totally surprise me, but for the most part people fit their stereotypes. It was so weird! I still approached everyone as though they may be the one that was going to surprise me because I didn't want to automatically put them into categories and I also didn't let the stereotype, even if it ended up being true, affect the way that *I* treated them. I still respected them, served them and had fun talking to them.
A funny, less serious example would be: Southern people almost always got Ranch or Thousand Island salad dressing and would ask for sweet tea but when I told them that we didn't have it, they'd ask for Coke or Dr. Pepper...but usually Dr. Pepper. lol
Anyways, just wanted to get your thoughts and maybe even experiences with stereotypes.
P.S. The best tippers in the WORLD are from the Northwest United States.Way to go, guys!
