Perceptions

It is very easy for me to ignore the misconceptions that I have had, and write them off as universal. I feel as if there are a variety of ways that I assume people are much like myself, because that is what I know. This could be a definite problem if I am to continue on in the field of psychology, as I know that everyone has unique experiences and significant differences. One of the most common mistakes that I make, is in perceiving that those that are female, and of my same gender, hold common ideas. Where I can make a really huge mistake, is where I believe they hold similar views about the opposite gender. Since gender is something that is often presented as being very different from one another, as opposed to very similar to one another, this mistakes I make are in strongly identifying with a gender group as opposed to the human race. I often have assumed that all females who are in administrative positions have had to work twice as hard as men, battle with stereotypes, and have had to develop a tough outer shell to hack it. This is certainly not always true, but I am aware that women have had to undergo a great deal in history to gain their liberties. I also have assumed that because of this, it is easy for most women to resent men. This is certainly not true, and has sometimes gotten me into trouble when talking to my friends that are female who do not agree with that at all! It is sometimes difficult to take a hard look at where I have been going wrong for so long, to adjust these misconceptions and perceptions. I am aware, however, that my misconception of gender needs to be revamped in order to not a. embarrass myself, or b. make another person feel very uncomfortable.

In what ways have you made gender assumptions?