National stereotyping - Possible or not?

In todays society we often use stereotypes when we're talking about people from other communities, cities or contries. But if you think about it, does this stereotyping make sense? Well, personally I don't think so. Okey, the stereotyping can be used as an overstatement in a discussion or something, but not as a hardcore fact.
I don't think this because people are different. It's that easy. Maybe people has some of the same features, but they are still different! People view French people as snaileating snobs, but the fact is that not everyone is like that. France has classlevels; the upper class, the middle class, and the worker class. Just as every other country in the world.
If I'm going to make a statement regarding the possible harmful effect stereotyping can have, I'll have to say that; Yes, sterotyping can be harmful. It can create prejudice againt different cultural races. it's to bad really, because those prejudices can stop you from meeting some really nice people.