Stereotypes

Stereotyping is such a strange subject to me. Personally, i see tons in today's world. But have i been conditioned to do so? I suppose this is a bit naive of me to believe that stereotypes aren't particularly harmful, and as far as im concerned they are generally poking fun at little quirks people share. But now that i sit here thinking more about it, i wonder if i'm the problem? Am i the reason so many negative stereotypes are brought to light in today's society. The more i think about them, the darker and more generalizing they become. Do i just let these stereotypes slide in my own life? I think i do. Which is a scary thought to have. How many people have i overlooked because of some negative script i hold about them. I have always prided myself on being not judgmental and welcoming to all. But when i really have been filtering the people who come in and out of my life all along. It's sad that the more i think about the stereotypes i have held to be true the more instances i have found myself keeping certain people at an arm's length. I am the problem. But not anymore.