Answer:
Stereotypes are typically put in a negative light, especially in today's world of political correctness. However, stereotypes, like almost all categorizing ways, are not strictly negative. The negativity depends on the interpretation of such a trait reputed to a person or a group.
For example, a typical Asian stereotype can be that they are typically studious, and gets good grades. This, in itself, is a positive trait, as who, as a student, don't want good grades? The opposite is true also, as it is casted in a negative light when Asians typically take all the positions that allow them to go to what can be deemed as "superior" schools, which in turn limits the chances of other groups to enter. In terms of political correctness, the stereotype may be a negative light, as it is deemed as a superior trait, and must be restricted to allow for quote"e unfortunate groups to have a higher chance. In this case, the typical stereotype is a negative trait.
So in a sense, it really depends on the time period, the beliefs of the time, as well as the groups involved to deem a stereotype as a positive or a negative.
