People's preconceptions and frames of reference, and the spreading of one's own limited attitudes towards issues and images, result in

People's preconceptions and frames of reference, and the spread of their own limited attitudes toward issues and images, result in stereotypes, the fixed and oversimplified pictures of groups.

When a narrow prior view is projected outward and repeated, it hardens into a ready-made label applied to whole categories of people.

Naming a stable identity misreads a distorting bias as a settled, healthy sense of self.

Calling it social harmony reverses the outcome, since stereotypes divide and prejudge rather than bring people together.

Treating it as positive public opinion ignores that stereotyping skews judgement rather than forming fair, informed views.

Stereotyping is listed among the perceptual biases that keep us from seeing reality truthfully.