Stereotype

A stereotype is an image of a specific group of people based on the general public's perception of that group. Most of the time, stereotypes are based on traits only common in the vocal minority or on the information received through the media.

For example, a Muslim stereotype is likely to be a violent terrorist, despite the fact that most Muslims are not such extremists -- after all, most don't see Muslim non-terrorists on TV or in real life, and the media. Of course, expecting a normal Muslim to behave according to the stereotype would be highly offensive.

The same way, a stereotypical gay would probably be a flamboyant promiscuous one; while this is true for some gays, most will not look any different from straight men -- like many examples of Sexual hypocrisy do.

As a result of an average conservative American's ignorance of the cultures outside of their own country, their perception of different nationalities or groups of people is heavily stereotypical.

Liberals tend to avoid stereotyping other groups of people, basing their opinions on the whole group's words and actions instead.