What problems can categorization cause?

Unit 1, Problem 3

Let’s revisit our earlier decisions

Who are you more likely to ask…

For advice about right and wrong?

64%36% 1. An atheist evolutionary biologist?

2. A religious scholar and spiritual leader?

For advice about right and wrong?

A. Richard Dawkins:An atheist evolutionary biologist famous for his argument that we don’t need God to have morals.

B. Grand Ayatollah Khomeini:A religious spiritual leader and scholar, and the supreme leader of Iran. Famous for violently suppressing protests against corrupt Iranian elections.

For advice on running a successful political campaign?

91%9% 1. An impoverished former lawyer?

2. A wealthy former US president?

For advice on running a successful political campaign?A. Mahatma Gandhi:

An impoverished lawyer famous for taking on a life of poverty and running the most successful non-violent anti-colonialist campaign of all time.

B. Richard Nixon:A former US president famous for stepping down from office because of crimes committed on the campaign trail.

For parenting advice?

5%95% 1. A stay-at-home mom with a large family?

2. A divorced male Hollywood star?

For parenting advice?

A. “Octo-mom”:A stay-at-home mom with a large family famous for being accused of being unfit to raise children and trying to look like Angelina Jolie.

B. Dr. Phil:A divorced male Hollywood star and world famous relationship councilor.

To build a community center in your town?

10%90% 1. A Christian from the American South?

2. A Muslim from the Indian South?

To build a community center in your town?

A. Pastor Terry Jones:A Christian from the American South famous for threatening to burn Korans.

B. Salman Rushdie:A Muslim from the Indian South famous for writing prize-winning novels and threats made against his life by radical Muslims.

For investment advice?

100%0% 1. A former waitress from California?

2. A former chairman of the NASDAQ stock market from New York?

For investment advice?

A. Suze Orman:A former waitress from California, best selling author, and world-renowned financial advisor.

B. Bernie Madoff:A former chairman of the NASDAQ stock market from New York recently convicted of conducting world’s largest investment scam.

Based on the research you have conducted, what problems arise when categorizing people?