If we view people as first humans, we will undertake a less biased evaluation of their humanity - their actions and behaviours: values and beliefs. Religious, racial, and gender classifications pigeonholes individuals. It can lead to restricted frames of reference and judgment. I am trying to say that considering people solely by their gender, ethnicity and religious affiliations dehumanises them.

What I am next going to say is highly controversial and is based on my personal experiences. The recipients of the religious, ethnic and gender classifications/stereotypes and those targeting can use this to their advantage. I have experienced people using their gender and religious identity as a cloak to mask some very questionable and inhuman behaviours. The stereotypes associated with a religion or gender identity are so strong that people fail to evaluate individuals' behaviours objectively. The need for representation can lead to some accepting behaviours that they otherwise would be critical of if expressed or displayed by others.