ssion of cognition, and thus, their approach to stereotyping (Billig, 1985).We do have a choice in our assumptions and there is flexibility about human thinking (Howitt, et al., 1989). Therefore, cognition is not as rigid as categorization implies. It is an oversimplification in itself to suggest that language oversimplify the world, because it is due to language that our views of the social world can be expressed. However, language does not have to be present for stereotyping to be present. For example, the Minimal Group Paradigm. Even so, language aids our categorization and thus, our stereotyping. It is the same language that we may use to stereotype that enables us to be the reverse. For example, in the interviews mentioned above, the interviewers could be taught to ask non-categorical questions. As concepts in our minds, tolerance is as easy as prejudice. Our supposed necessity to simplify the world, as we are 'incapable' of taking in 'every new stimulus as unique' (Park and Rothbart, 1982), may also be balanced by a statement of the opposite: 'we would find difficulty in adapting to a world which required action, if no new stimulus could be treated as unique, but every unique stimulus had to be considered as similar to others' (Billig, 1985). This is the basis of Billig's argument of particularization against categorization - which gives rise to the processes of individualization - treating and perceiving group members as individuals. Categorization argues that, through our 'natural' pattern of thought, or cognition, its similarities rather than its individuality categorize our perception of stimuli. Billig suggests that this can change, through a motivational process in categorization itself, giving flexibility to such cognitive processes.We are aware of the possibility and ability to change. However, we do not express this flexibility because it is a disruption of the norm, or, of the social group-thought. Goffman (1959) views e...
