Readers discuss their experiences with stereotypes and snap judgments

Have you had stereotypes applied to you? Do you notice your own snap judgments? Join our reader discussion.

Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist at Harvard Business School, studies the role of snap judgments and first impressions in our lives—in everything from hiring decisions to genocide. Read about her work in the November-December issue, then join our reader discussion.

 

Tell us about a stereotype or snap judgment that was applied to you, and the consequences.

Do you try to compensate for your own snap judgments (or will you, after reading this article)? How?

 

See what other readers are saying, and then join the conversation by leaving your own comment. (This discussion is moderated, so your comment may not appear immediately.)

Related topics

You might also like

Making Waves with Philosophy

A conversation with Harvard professor Michael Sandel

For Campus Speech, Civility is a Cultural Practice

A former Harvard College dean reviews Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber’s book Terms of Respect.

Your Views on Conservatism on Campus, Doxxing, and More

Readers write in about international students at Harvard, the September-October cover, and changes at the Chan School of Public Health.

Most popular

Don’t Be A ‘Solo Superhero,’ Jonny Kim Tells Harvard Alumni

The astronaut, doctor, and Navy SEAL delivered keynote remarks at the University’s Alumni Day festivities.

Harvard Honors Its Oldest Alumni

At 97 and 101, Linda Cabot Black ’51 and William “Bill” Dubey ’46 led the way on Alumni Day.

Ronny Chieng Tells Harvard to ‘Destroy AI’ as Graduates Cheer

The comedian and The Daily Show host gave the keynote address for Class Day 2026.

Explore More From Current Issue

Bronze statues of three historical figures under a stylized tree in a softly lit space.

The Costly Choice Native Americans Faced

How the Revolution reshaped indigenous New England

Woman with long hair, smiling, wearing a black sweater, in a textured beige background.

For This Poet, AI Is a Writing Partner

Sasha Stiles trained a chatbot on her manuscripts. Now, her poems rewrite themselves.

A dancer in a black leotard poses gracefully in a bright studio, with mirrors reflecting her movement.

A New Black Swan Musical Cranks Up the Tension

The creative team of the A.R.T.’s new show dish on adapting Darren Aronofsky’s thriller classic from screen to stage.