Despite the potential for harm, positive stereotypes can be beneficial in specific contexts. For instance, they can be used to bring attention to issues of inequality, possibly helping to create an equal playing field for all societal members and groups.

In 2007, researchers surveyed 180 teachers to understand if they held stereotypes about their students. The most commonly held opinion was that Asian students were significantly more industrious, intelligent, and gentle. This might seem like a good thing, but treating this stereotype as reality can cause a surprising amount of harm.

Stereotype has a negative connotation. But a stereotype is simply a generalization about how a group of people behaves. It may be statistically accurate but not universally valid. Many believe we shouldn't make decisions a ecting an individual based on a stereotype, even if it is statistically accurate.