Final answer:
Sean's belief that all Korean food is too spicy is a stereotype, which is an oversimplified generalization that does not consider the diversity within Korean cuisine.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sean's refusal to go out with you to a Korean restaurant because he believes that "Korean food is too spicy" is an example of a stereotype. A stereotype involves oversimplified generalizations about groups of people that do not take individual differences into account. In this case, Sean is applying a generalization about Korean cuisine to all Korean restaurants and dishes without considering the variety of options available that may not be heavily spiced.
Prejudice is a negative attitude toward an individual based solely on the person’s membership in a particular social group, but in this instance, there is no clear negative attitude towards an individual, only towards the food. Discrimination involves actions toward individuals based on their group membership, which is not the case as Sean is not acting upon any individual. Finally, intolerance implies an unwillingness to accept views, beliefs, or behavior that differs from one's own, but here it seems more focused on Sean's misconception or limited experience with Korean food rather than a broader cultural intolerance.
Sean's reluctance to try the food again despite the assurance that there are non-spicy options reflects the persistence of stereotypes and their association with confirmation bias, where previous experiences serve to reinforce preconceived notions. This situation highlights the importance of social groups in forming identities and the effect of stereotypes on openness to cultural experiences.