http://www.quora.com/Are-most-stereotypes-true-Is-it-ever-okay-to-stereotype

Enough said.

Everything I pretty much want to say is in that link.

Not sure if there's already a thread like this.

I'm going to say the answer is a blatant yes, though I will also say that stereotypes are not 100% accurate and should not be your defining view of any individual or profession. They're there because statistically, that's what said group/profession has presented itself as. Times change and so do groups and professions, and individuals within each do not have to strictly adhere to any stereotype, and a good deal of the time do not.

So yes, I do think people should stereotype as it helps give them some initial views and/or insights as to how someone with certain characteristics may be, which is good if it helps find people they can get along with. However, I don't think people should fully believe or only rely on stereotypes, because that will make them ignorant and likely very lonely.

The best answer is obviously sometimes, as it is for most questions of right or wrong. It is completely dependent on the context and degree.

For some general truths (e.g. women are shorter than men), yes
For some personal points of view (e.g. black guys are bad), no