Should Gender Stereotypes be challenged?

[ErGingerbreadMandude]

I agree with your opinion that stereotypes can cause much harm.
But doesn't that mean that we should ignore these stereotypes rather challenge them, so that people can have freedom to be who they want to be.
For example, we all know what a stereotypical male programmer looks like. Wouldn't it benefit a person to ignore this stereotype completely and choose how they want to be rather than making it a point to actively challenge the stereotype?
Why do you think it's better to challenge a stereotype rather than ignoring them?
In my opinion challenging a stereotype doesn't give freedom for a person to be who they are, but I'd like to hear your opinion on the matter.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think a single person has argued here that we should 'go out of our way' to challenge the stereotypes. Most of the sentiments are that stereotyping is harmful and one should just be oneself, whether that entails defying or conforming to gender stereotypes notwithstanding. I'm not sure who you're arguing against, especially seeing how you have not defined what is meant by challenging the stereotypes anywhere in this thread until now.