In life, there is a common ground that almost everyone can relate to. At one time or another, we have all been promoters or victims of the persistent nature of stereotypes. According to Webster's dictionary, a stereotype is defined as "a simplified and standardized conception or image, invested with a particular meaning and held in common by the members of a group." Most stereotypes take a negative form and are based on characteristics such as age, gender, race, status and personal beliefs. Generally speaking, the biggest problem with stereotypes is that they judge a group of people based on the characteristics and actions of their ancestors, rather than on an individual basis. More often than not, these assumptions will lead people to draw false conclusions about a person's true character. A stereotype that developed in antiquity and has persisted through the centuries is that of the “greedy Jew.” Throughout history, Jews have discovered first-hand the destructive and horrific effects of stereotypes on a vulnerable people. Jews have been and will continue to be the subject of stereotyping unless something is done to stop it. Today's stereotypical Jew embodies a variety of definitive qualities. When most people think of a Jew, they think of a person with olive brown skin, curly black hair, thick lips, large eyes, facial hair (for men), and a strong nose shaped like hook. They may also imagine a short person, wearing a zippah (a circular-shaped skullcap), with words like “Mazal Tov” or “Shalom” at the top of their vocabulary list. Jews have "learned by experience to develop skills in professions that depend on intellectual talents", which is why many Jews... middle of paper... future generations strive to do the same. , Heidi. “Stereotypes/Frames of Characterization.” Beyond intractability - More constructive approaches to destructive conflicts. The Beyond Intractability Project, October 2003. Web. July 8, 2010. “History of the Holocaust – An Introduction.” Jewish Virtual Library - Home Page. American-Israeli cooperative enterprise. Internet. July 8, 2010. .Packouz, Kalman. “Why do people hate Jews?” Judaism Online. Judaism Online. Internet. July 8, 2010. .Singer, Jeffery A. “Making Sense of Jewish Stereotypes.” The Future of Liberty Foundation. Freedom Daily, April 2000. Web. July 8 2010. .