Stereotypes arise when a considerable portion of a group displays traits or behaviors that are commonly associated with that group. These generalizations often stem from observations made about the collective characteristics of individuals within that population, leading to oversimplified perceptions. As a result, stereotypes can create unfair assumptions and expectations of people based solely on their group identity.

In "Dime Store Magic" by Kelley Armstrong, the idea emphasizes that while stereotypes may hold some truth for a segment of the society, they fail to recognize the diversity and individuality within the group. This perspective encourages critical thinking about how we see others and highlights the importance of avoiding assumptions based on broad categorizations.