I read somewhere the brain is wired for symbolic recognition, such as the brain does not need to read "STOP" on a stop sign to instantly know to stop when in a vehicle.
Stereotypical responses may allow us to deal with a complex daily life that otherwise we could not cope with.
This also has a downside. Certain images evoke a automatic response that may condemn other, in our eyes that don't deserve the stigma we label them with.
Welfare, deadbeat, drug pusher, religion, rich, poor, and many more ; all evoke images of symbolic response but does the person symbolized deserve the label.
If we take the time to "see" the person or the institution , is the threat symbol real or imagined?
Do we turn away from need because of the fear we too, may touch "Failure" and contract the condition and use harsh criticisms to hide our fear of that contagion. Fear is real, the threat is either real or imagined.
No answers, just another POV.
Wyndham