Counterexamples get fenced off as exceptions rather than revising stereotypes

Evidence

People can, for example, selectively cite examples to support negative views of outgroup members while simultaneously ignoring or distorting contrary evidence. Such selective consideration and interpretation of “evidence” enables people to maintain the illusion that they are objective and fair-minded. For example, evidence of a highly accomplished Black person who contradicts the stereotype of Blacks as lazy is easily handled by viewing that individual as the “exception that proves the rule.” Contemporary authors refer to this process as subtyping (Rothbart & John, 1985). Once subtyped, the person no longer threatens the validity of stereotypic thinking. Allport recognized that this strategy enables people to recognize their negative beliefs but to view them as valid rather than prejudiced. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 2095 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

When people confront individuals whose character disputes their outgroup stereotypes, they readily admit the individual exceptions only to “re-fence” the stereotype (Allport, 1954/1979, p. 23): People create small subtypes to contain the exceptions, thereby protecting their overall categories (for references, see Fiske, 1998). Subtypes are cognitively convenient because they allow people to retain their comfortable categories. And they are socially convenient because they justify the status quo. — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 304 (#exemplifies, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: People cling to self-interest vocabularies even when they contradict experienced motives; Contradictory evidence is neutralized by subtyping rather than revising stereotypes; Conflicting stereotype traits reveal justification logic overriding consistency — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice: Fifty Years…, 1371 (+8 more)

Broader Connections

• Subtyping protects stereotypes by exempting counter-evidence as exceptions. #corroborates (0.97) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 2095
• Individuals who contradict stereotypes get subtyped so the overall stereotype survives intact #exemplifies (0.95) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 304
• People protect stereotypes by carving out subtypes for exceptions #expands (0.93)