The other day I had an experience I’d not had for 40 years – of being followed around a shop by a security guard, convinced I’m trying to steal something.

I wasn’t shoplifting, but clearly I looked like I might be a shoplifter because of what I was wearing.  40 years ago punk/goth, the other day an anarchist face mask.

It amused me, because real shoplifters aren’t trying to stand out.  They look like everyone else.  That’s how they get away with it.

But we love our stereotypes, and can’t resist them.

We really should beware of them.