Well, I'm not necessarily indicative of the general population, but I can tell you what this non-bipolar person thinks of bipolar people.

One of my best friends is bipolar, among other things. I've watched her struggle with the mood changes and I've been there to help support her through the various highs and lows. It breaks my heart, some of the swings she's had to go through. But our relationship is not based on her mental illness, or mine. We relate as two people who have a mental illness, but she is so much more than that. She is funny and she is interesting and she's very kind and generous. She also happens to be bipolar. I tend to think that you could say the same for everyone suffering with that disorder. It does not make you who you are, not by a long shot. You are a very unique person and you bring something very special to the world. You should never, ever be defined by a label such as bipolar, schizophrenic or what-have-you. To do so would be to ignore every other part that comprises the total package of you.

Like I said, I can't speak for every non-bipolar person, but that's what I think.