Stereotyping with the Enneagram
The obvious dangers of stereotyping with the enneatypes comes about when someone studying or using the system attributes characteristics to a person just because they are a certain enneatype. Here are some of the assumptions that could be a problem:
- The assumption that a particular enneatype characteristic applies to every person identified as that type - would you want someone trying to tell you who you are without actually taking the time to know you?
- The assumption that a person has been typed accurately - how would you be treated if someone thought you were someone that you're not?
- The assumption that a person is limited by their enneatype - would you feel comfortable being screened from a job based solely on your enneatype?
- The assumption that the enneatype system is absolute and complete - even the so-called experts can't agree on the enneatypes of famous people.
The assumptions above were based on how others look at us, but what about how a stereotype affects how we look at ourselves? What can happen if we identify too closely with our enneatype?
- Using your enneatype as an excuse - I can't help being that way because I'm a {insert enneatype here}.
- Trying not to be your enneatype - I have to try not to be a {insert enneatype here} because that's my path to health. (What about stereotype threat?)
- Enneatype as a self-fulfilling prophecy - you begin seeing certain characteristics in yourself that weren't recognizable before perhaps because they weren't there.
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Working on issues based solely on your enneatype -
- what if you've been typed wrong?
- what if those issues are not yours but a generalized list for a stereotype?
- what do these people offering these lists of issues really know?
- what if working on these issues does more harm than good?
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