Actuarials, demographics, data collection, and statistics are big business for some.
Averages, means, trends, ...it all means something to someone.
In real life, though, stereotypes and judging people based on any number of criteria is a time-honored means of human survival, or at least it was more important a long time ago. Vestiges of stereotyping people and things can still serve us today - in some circumstances - and can prevent us from being involved in a dangerous situation. Those times are more rare today, but should not be completely discarded.
In my own life, I have learned that painting people with that broad brush, without specific information, is limiting, unfair, and ignorant.
"Don't judge a book by its cover", yada, yada.
I have met some highly interesting people, and made friends with some whose outward appearance is off-putting or questionable, and who I may have initially judged wrongly.
As a group, people can be highly predictable (insurance companies thrive on that), but as individuals, we can be just about anything, and the uniqueness of some - once you talk to them and learn about them - has greatly enriched my life. I am quite unremarkable to look at, as an example, but if I may be so bold as to say it here, I truly believe I have something to offer the world, and if not the world, at least those people who know me well.
And guess what?
I am willing to bet the same can be said of everyone here. Even if you don't think so. But I hope you do believe that about yourself.
Back to the riding, I'll judge most riders by the way they handle their bike and how they relate to other riders, but I won't judge so much based on their age, the bike they're on or the brand, or lack of, on their riding gear. I'll ride alone, usually do, but I also ride with others who are safe, make good decisions, and can control themselves and their machine. I had a great ride to Stagecoach yesterday, with two guys I used to coach with in the MSF and Harley rider training programs. Somewhere around 500 miles, there and back. It was great.
Being less judgmental about folks, and even meeting the odd ones, can truly make life more enjoyable, and who knows? You might even make a new friend. (Doesn't mean you have to make friends with a butthead, unless you really want to...)
Serendipity.
It costs little to be kind to folks.
