Us and Them: Understanding Your Tribal Mind

Berreby says stereotypes cannot ever be accurate or useful; others disagree. Argue in favor of stereotypes.

Identify a stigmatized group. Explain what traits are used to stigmatize the group, how those traits were originally ascribed, how culture is paralyzing the group in stigma, and how the stigma can be removed.

Describe a positive use of human-kind beliefs. Reference three historical examples. 

Darwinian fundamentalists believe theories should exist across scientific disciplines; Berreby posits this may be impossible. What are the benefits of pluralism? What are the benefits of Darwinian fundamentalist approach? Which is more correct, and why?

What is the flaw in Galton’s bell curves? Why is it important? How does this flaw affect the results of Galton’s work? Can his reasoning be improved? If so, how?

Extrapolate a conclusion from Sherif’s summer camp experiment. How do the boys’ behavior changes reflect their human-kind beliefs? Critique the experiment.

Provide an object that functions as a symbol. Describe three ways someone can utilize that object as a symbol.

Describe several elements of your culture. What rules do they dictate? How do they help your society? How do they hurt your society? Repeat this exercise with elements of a different culture.