What Are Stereotypes In Me

Stereotypes and Me Stereotypes can be one of the most negative things in the world. These broad generalizations based on no factual evidence are what tear us apart from other people because of shallow reasons. From racism to homophobia, many evils throughout the world exist solely because of stereotypes. I have had my own unexpected experiences with stereotypes. In my understanding of stereotypes, one thing is always true: if people would take the time to get to know someone on a personal level rather than accepting what society says about them, the world would be a much more accepting place for everyone. Stereotypes are simply assumptions made about a group of people, usually in an unfavorable way. These assumptions, though they might appear true on an overall level, are typically false for the individuals being described. These incorrect generalizations are often taken as fact by the people on the outside looking in, which can lead to many negative effects. The worst part about stereotypes is how they are passed down through generations. No child is born racist or sexist. These traits are taught by parents and society. The mere existence of stereotypes can have a severe impact on the people they are discussing. Stereotypes, as well as the people who refuse to let them go, are overall an extremely wicked thing. Stereotypes tend to say more about the people who subscribe to them rather than the group that the generalization is about. Individuals on the outside who believe every stereotype they hear are inclined to not care as much about getting to know people on a deeper level. These types of people could just write someone off because of skin color rather than getting to know real things about him or her, such as careers or interests. However, I personally believe that stereotypes are more harmful when the people who believe them are the people being generalized. When people believe the stereotypes society set out for them, they sometimes will amount to nothing more than what the world expects them to be. …show more content…
This is shown throughout the movie Crash with the character Anthony. He was aware that people saw him as a violent thug, so that’s what he chose to become. It’s very difficult for people to break out of the boxes that the world put them in. When society sees a person in a certain way, that can become how that person sees themselves. The character Cameron Thatcher reminds Anthony that he doesn’t have to become what society sees in him. It is very important for people to understand that they can be whatever they want to be, regardless of stereotypes. There have been many points in my life where I have been involved with stereotypes, but the most obvious one for me comes from the fact that my father is a preacher. When I say this, people tend to think one of two completely contradictory things: I’m either extremely rebellious, or I’m a perfect angel. The stereotype that I have come into contact with the most is the latter, but I am expecting to see more from the first stereotype as I get older. I personally feel like I don’t really fit into either of those two molds. This stereotyping typically comes from the older people in my church. Ever since the day that my mom brought me home, I have been held to a higher standard than everyone else outside of my family. When I was an infant, my mom was even expected to make sure I cry less during church just because of my father’s career. This continued throughout my whole childhood when I was constantly expected to attend every church activity, sitting on the side and looking perfect with the rest of my family. The problem is not that I hate being involved in the church or that I hate religion itself, I just despise the feeling of constantly needing to be perfect. It’s very hard to explain the sensation of being judged because of every word, every move, and everything that you do unless you’ve been in the same situation. Being close to the center of the church also gives me a unique perspective on common religious stereotypes. In my personal experience, the generalization about churchgoers seeing themselves as,