A stereotype is a widely held but oversimplified idea about a particular group of people. For example, many people might think that all teenagers are rebellious or that all scientists are socially awkward. These generalizations can lead to misunderstandings and unfair judgments about individuals based on their group identity rather than their unique qualities. Stereotypes can be harmful because they often ignore the diversity within groups. When someone assumes that all women are nurturing or that all athletes are not academically inclined, they overlook the individual differences that make each person unique. Challenging stereotypes helps promote understanding and acceptance among different groups in society.