STEREOTYPING

You know, there are just some stereotypes that won't die. However, we get upset and offended over them, but, have you ever considered why? Is it because we dislike judgement and classification, or because, we dislike the overall stigma of whatever category we're being put in. The reason I ask, is because some people, get really vehement, about the ordeal. I admit, it can get irritating from time to time, but, is there any way to properly adjust to the notion? Stereotypes start usually very early, as kids, either you hear people saying things or you see people acting a certain way. Well if everyone you encounter, pretty much acts the same way, does the same things, or even likes the same things, then naturally the assumption is that, all people in that category, are potentially the same. I think our initial exposure to stereotyping comes racially formed, as kids. Then as we reach puberty, it becomes, sexually based in addition to racial. By sexual, I don't necessarily mean actual sex. I mean more gender than sex, even tho sexually related stereotypes do exist and do form. As we reach adulthood, we carry all previous stereotypes, and add to the mix many others, including classist, religious, political, and work related, forms of stereotypes. It's only a fraction of the numerous amount of stereotypes we encounter and develop, over time and experience.

The main question is, if we know that any number of stereotypes, is based on assumptions, then why do we care so much? How have we not evolved past the point of feeling disturbed by the overwhelming amount of stereotypes that have developed, since the dawn of mankind. Instinctively stereotypes may save a person from sort of mishap, at some point. If you don't believe that, then lemme illustrate my point; I don't go out into the country, for the very idea that I may not come back. Unless, I am in the company of someone I know, I wouldn't venture out into the country. I've seen enough horror movies, to know better. On the flipside, I've pretty much accepted the fact that, in a nice area or store, I'm either being watched or followed. I find this a nuisance, but, it doesn't make me angry, well, not anymore. When I was younger, it bothered me quite a bit, but, as I've gotten older, I pretty much let it go. Part of the reason why I've let it go, is because I began to understand, that the idea of someone's assumptions mean, fuck all, about me. I am not the summation of someone's assumption of me, so why should it even remotely affect me?

What's interesting, is that there is a certain bit of truth to the stereotypes themselves. I know that people will, be a little off put by my tattoos, and might even be a little nervous. I know I'm not a bad person, but, I also know that people with tattoos have committed offensive acts, but, that's a generalization I've to terms with. It does not mean that I am bad, or will do bad, it just means there's an assumption based on my tattoos. Some will think, I work on cars. Some will think, I am a tattoo artist. Some might even think, I am an MMA fighter. Comedians, a lot of times, will base some of there comedy, on stereotypes, and we laugh about it. However, when it happens in our daily lives, we are seriously offended. Part of it, in my opinion, is due to the mirror factor, that people have a hard time with in general. So, the theory goes, that people

have a hard time confronting with the truth, because this opens the door, for that person to be confronted by truth as well. This scares us. The mirror held up, to reflect the portions of ourselves we do not favor, is not a daunting task, therefore we reserve that action for absolute purposes.

We don't like the truth about ourselves, and sometimes we will go the point of hiding from it within ourselves. That is lunacy, because the last person you should be lying to, is ourselves. So I think, that this a more generalized, form of denial. Regardless of what stereotpe being made, sexual, racial, or otherwise, we don't like the fact that that slither, of truth exists, and we feel we have to adopt it. However, you don't have to adopt or accept it. It is not your burden to carry. If you are not a specific stereotype fit, then you can easily dismiss it as an assumption made by someone, who clearly, does not know you. You can still dismiss the stereotype, even if it applies to the category you have been assumed you belong to. Stereotyping, does not classify, and basically that is the notion, that you are being classified into certain type. It is up to you, whether you want to, prove that stereotype wrong or not, in the end it's your prerogative.

Stereotypes are meant to give those who don't know you, or, your type a reference point. It does not warrant an understanding, because it is an assumption, and assumptions usually end up being believed to be true, by those who do not wish to delve further. Stereotypes do nothing to examplify individuality. Therefore, stereotypes, are of no value and no substance. If this is the case, then why give it weight in your mind? The only time you should give consequence to stereotypes, is if the stereotype, places you in a position of danger. Otherwise, its just an opinion, and opinions are like assholes, everyone's got one.     -   925