Stereotypes Are Inevitable

Stereotypes are inevitable; it is whether or not they’re “good” that is disputable. Society discourages people from stereotyping by giving the impression that the term “stereotype” refers only to negative assumptions, intentional acts of abuse, and is the cause of negative outcomes, but not all stereotypes are bad. Stereotypes categorize and assign characteristics in order to simplify social information. It is important to keep in mind that there are also positive stereotypes that result in positive assumptions. However, it isn’t until when the stereotype blinds people from individual differences within a class that it causes problems and/or becomes a potential danger/threat. When we are unable/unwilling to obtain all the information needed
It’s a part of life that every individual has to come to terms with and learn to deal with because no matter what the circumstances are around the world; stereotypes are and always will be inescapable. It’s important to figure out how to cope with being the one stereotyped. The tactic will vary from person to person; someone might crack jokes or laugh at the jokes others make, get defensive, become apathetic, become fearful possibly creating a stereotype based off those who were stereotyping you, etc. I believe, at least for me, that the best approach I being as lighthearted as I can for as long as I can (obviously, there’s only so much a person can take before they’ve had enough teasing/joking). Growing up in an extremely diverse area and going to such diverse schools (F.Y.I. my high school JEB Stuart was acclaimed by National Geographic for being the most diverse in the nation) has pushed the idea of being lighthearted when being stereotyped. Also, being an adopted Korean girl growing up in a Jewish household by Caucasian parents and two Caucasian siblings (older brother, younger sister both biologically related to my adopted parents) forced me to be more open to taking the stereotypes that were made about my race, religion, height, etc. in a more humorous manner. Of course there is that feeling of uneasiness and that feeling of being such an “outsider” when people first hear that not only am I Asian, I’m also Jewish (GASP!). There will always be those people that take the comments those extra steps too far (i.e. by constantly ragging on me because I’m an Asian Jew) and being blatantly rude “butt-heads” causing me to have to turn around and get defensive (or just tell them to shut it). However, in general I don’t see what getting defensive and complaining/pouting/screaming about it would