At work the other day, we were talking about mental illness, crime and family support- and, because we talk about pretty much anything here, race came up as well.

I realized there is one personal stereotype that I have that seems to play out true time and time again in my dealings with others of any race-

Black poeple seem to be more forgiving of family members bad behavior- while not excusing thier behavior, will continue to visit and care for them, and not disown them or ignore them- none of us have seen this trend in other races- there is an insiders comment here- "If I have to be mentally ill, I also want to be black"- because, in every other race, one common denominator exists- after a while, the family becomes burnt out and ceases all contact - but we have known some black families to continue to visit after 20 years or more! I have literally known one mother and father of a very ill young, now middle aged, man, for 18 years1

The same holds true from comments from correctional officers- they say even the most hienous criminals with no chance of ever getting out of jail continue to have various family members visit them- but it only seems to hold true for black families.

So, to me, it may be purely anecdotal, it may be an anomoly, but for me, this well known to mental health and correctional poeple phenomenon continues to be a stereotype that we believe in.

Is there a stereotype of some race, maybe not the "usual" ones that come up in racist jokes, but in other areas, that seem to hold true for you, time and time again?

Is the stereotype negative or positive in nature?

If you think this belief is true, why do you think it is true, what is the underlying cause of the behavior for the stereotype?