I really don't think that is what the programmers were thinking. Its morte like. "We want both males and females. Our fan base is mostly males so they'd prefer a hero with strength to be male. But women are important to storylines and since the strong men are the fighters that leaves the women to be healers and magicians." Also I feel my Japan theory above is another reason for the typecasting.

I agree with Martyr about the usage of these typecasts. They are based on truth or they wouldn't exist. Eskimos DID live in Igloos. Indians (Native Americans) DID speak broken english and hunt with bows once. Asians DID come up with martial arts and have trouble pronouncing Ls and Rs. Its "stereotypical" but true. Are there Eskimos who live in mansions and apartments? Yes, but the FIRST think people think of when they hear the word Eskimo IS Igloos, Polar Bears and Ice. Same with Indian/Native Americans. The first thing they think of is the Long Black haried John Redcorn looking guy hunting Buffalo with a Bow. More than likely with a feather in his headband. Us that true anymore? No, but that doesn't stop people from thinking it. Chinese people DID come up with martial arts, but not every one of them is Bruce Lee and speaks like Conn from King of the Hill (King of the Hill is so useful in this thread). Perfect example of a modern Chinese person in America. Watch Law and Order:SVU. B.D. Wong speaks perfect english and has no karate scens at all. But when people think of chinese folks they still think of Bruce Lee and broken english fast food workers.

Still skepical if typecasting is true? Ready? Italian people. You JUST thought of Spaghetti and The Goodfellas/Sopranos/Casino etc. greasy haired mafia stereotype. You didn't think of an honest hard working middle-aged doctor, nor did you think of a poor homeless man in the city of Milwaukee. Why because that is not the typical italian portrayed in TV or Movies. The only way I can forsee anyone thinking any differently than what I stated above is either you are italian or are really good friends with one (so you thought of him).

Women aren't any different. Besides Xena, how many macho women actresses are there? Only the chick from the Matrix comes to mind (and Lucy Liu, but thats asian martial arts stereotyping at its finest) Now how many Male macho stars are there? Swarzenegger, Van Damm, Hulk Hogan(in the 80's), The Rock, Mel Gibson was one, Stallone, Hugh Jackman, the list goes on. So, thats the way things are. Women have always been the lesser strong of the human race. Sexist as that sounds its true. I'm not saying ALL women will lose in a fight to any man, I'm saying in general, women are weaker. Thus they aren't fit into warrior typecast, but more of a princess, need to be protected typrcast.