Sterotypes:The Bad and the Ugly

Friday, November 28th, 2008
by Lilly S

Why do we stereotype? Can it be that even in today’s era of new media, with lightening fast mobile connections at our mere finger tips, that we are still too lazy to actually take to the time to understand certain beliefs, cultures, races, etc.? Or could it be that we tend to unfairly generalize a group of people due to the specific actions of one member of that group? Maybe it’s a little of both, but it is also much more.

Not only have stereotypes caused personal affliction, but they have also hindered the progression of specific targeted groups of people in society. We as a nation should strive to discover how these false assumptions and accusations have affected them and what, if anything, we can do to reverse these bias assumptions. A paltry inference by a single person can lead to the development of stereotypes. Stereotypes lead to prejudice. Prejudice leads to violence. Therefore we can conclude that stereotypes in fact lead to violence. It is truly frightening how quickly a single assumption can escalate into a worldwide movement.

Some people justify their actions by classifying themselves under a specific stereotype. When some teenagers are questioned about their use of drugs, alcohol, and other illegal substances, many answer with the simple response “Because I’m a teenager. That’s what we’re supposed to do. Experiment.” I have tried so many times to not only disprove the stereotypes of teenagers (lazy, ignorant, self absorbed, stupid) but because that has proven to be unsuccessful time and time again, I have found that I step by step and break away from it. I enjoy reading in my free time. Volunteering doesn’t seem like a chore to me, but something I look forward to doing. I find studying rewarding. When I am tempted with things I know are wrong I think of whether the consequences are worth it (and in most cases they aren’t).

Many people think stereotypes are a never-ending circle, that have been around since the beginning of man and will not cease to exist until mans extinction. With attitudes like that I’m not surprised that stereotypes continue to prevail. I’m not saying that one day stereotypes will suddenly disappear and the world will be full with rainbows and unicorns.. I’d actually be terrified. But what I am saying, or challenging you to do, is to think before you act. Maybe the next time you see someone you originally would avoid en-route, I dare you to walk by him or her and make no judgment. It is a lot harder than you think, but have you let other challenged set you back? I hope the answer is no. Little by little we can make the world a better and happier place if we all are brave enough.

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