Stereotyping...... hmmm?

The worst thing at my school is the stereotyping. At my school, it seems compulsory to fit into a stereotype i.e mosher, chav, emo, punk, goth, scene, popular, nerd/geek, loner, homosexual, special needs, sporty, skin colour, weight.... it could go on forever.

Of these stereotypes I fit none. And its making people seem to think I am some kind of idiot to not want to... I hang out and am friends with at least one person from most of these groups, and I hate how some of my friends can't get aong because of the stereotype they are classified into. It's saddening.

And it makes me so upset sometimes that people just instantly make a descision about me because I don't fit into stereotyping.I think it's totally wrong to put people into groups like that only based on how they dress or how they look. It's not fair..

I was wondering if anyone else felt that way. Or if anyone does like stereotyping.

 

I've been stereotyped as a pothead, sex addict, gangster, prep, emo, or geek, depending on who people first see me with.

The way to get past being stereotype is to not give a damn what they think.

 

Unfortunately, there are always going to be simple people out there that need to class and group other people so it makes them know how to deal with them easier. Stereotypes are lame but the thing to remember in the end is that those people may assign you where they want to but you don't have to listen to them either.

Throughout life various people are going to think totally wrong about you. Don't let it bring you down. You -know- yourself and their opinions are just that...insignificant opinions. Be happy with who you are and enjoy life whether it crosses 'stereotypical' boundaries or not because some people are content with a label. Some people strive to fit a label so much that they become the epitome of that label. Others of us just roam and do a bunch of things based on what we enjoy. Along with stereotypes, there are annoying people that will always judge you, but we do not really have to consider their judgments worth a thing. Best advice is be yourself and know yourself. Don't care what others think of you as long as you aren't being a harm to anyone. People that waste their times placing stereotypes as important are just not in touch with reality anyway and they seem to think they have a right to control what others do instead of paying attention to their own faults and how pathetic they really are being. Self-confidence will pull you through this.

 

I've come to think classes and stereotypes are of two things: ignorance and of magnification from the monetary system. We have all kinds of wealth gaps and it tends to be that those in lower socioeconomic status' are the ones who go to "stereotype" themselves. And the ones above go to "divide and conquer" so to speak. It's probably how any ruling class operates. Monetary means of separation is the root of this problem, at least in my opinion. Conditions need to change then we can see what happens. Right now it's very corrupt. Especially in the educational system. Indoctrinating students with bias information (at least most of the time. Unless it is something technical, like mathematics or science) seems to be at the start (after family) for this issue.

The teenage stereotyping has its positives and its negatives. It can build as well as crumble people. I see lots of people at my school that are so crushed by the judgments of others that it pains me. But other times I see those who are "normal," and I cringe a little at how someone can just separate the human condition so easily. We aren't very careful as teenagers and ignorance is rampant.

As a side note and story, while not totally relevant, I met this girl at my Karate class whose entire family were raised at home and under Catholicism. They were incredibly nice and never judged. They were witty but in a classical way. It was interesting because they were a shining example of an honest, faithful family who were understanding of everyone. Even my friend, Derek, who goes there, who is gay. They have no vendetta for anyone at all. It's only one example but I find it interesting.

 

Honestly, I don't see stereotypes as a big deal. Maybe it's because they're not too much of a problem in my school. There's just the popular kids, the kind of people you wouldn't bring home to mom, and the normal, casual people. Yes, people form groups, but most of the time you're not restricted to them. It's human nature to classify things; it makes it easier for us. We're not prejudicing ourselves against animals by separating them into mammals, amphibians, etc. We're simply making things easier for us.

The real reason that stereotypes are a big deal in life are because people are so insecure about what group they fit in to. Let people label you. In the end it really doesn't matter if you were "goffik" or "popular." People used to call me emo all the time, but I didn't let it get to me. They didn't have any idea what they were talking about, and I didn't really care. People call me a nerd a lot because I do well and wear sweater vests (8D) but who really cares?

My point is that classifying people into groups just makes things easier for us, and while is unjust at times, the people who can't go beyond what you're wearing or who you're friends with probably aren't worth your time anyway.

Also,

Truth.

 

Well, stereotypes can, in certain situations, help people easily identify the things and situations around them. When humanity was still in its early stages (Australopithecus afarensis, etc), we probably stereotyped (edible, dangerous, inedible, poisonous, useful, useless, slow, fast, etc). Many animals do this in some form or another. It's in our genes to do so. However, nowadays, the genes are still there, but the need is gone. We still feel a need to categorize, but the true purpose is no longer relevant. The important thing about stereotyping, in my opinion, is to use it only when it truly applies. For instance, the stereotype that black people are taller than others is valid in certain contexts. Some African tribes could indeed reach 7-8 feet. So, in certain contexts, that stereotype can be used. But it's necessary to realize when they are and are not useful. Primitive societies - useful. High school - definitely not useful.

 

People still stereotype?
C'mon.

I'm in high school, this is like middle school ****

 

Some people stereotype through their entire lives. My mother still stereotypes modern rock as "I wanna **** this girl" repeated over and over again, despite my attempts to change her opinion.

 

As many have said, don't worry too much about the stereotyping. What's most important is that you are who you are and you stick to that. Stereotypes are laughable, and the fact that people regard you as an "idiot" just shows how little they know. People cannot be categorized, because, as cheesy as it sounds, no two people are the same. Finding the group that best fits the definition of yourself is ridiculous. You should hang out with whomever you want to hang out with, regardless of clothes, music taste, mannerisms, etc. My group of friends is very diverse. We've got me, who's very dedicated to school and a writer, my musician/artist friend who can sometimes be a little vain but has her heart in the right place, the gothic pessimist, the happy one who loves to talk about her family heritage, a hardcore-workout weirdo, and so on. What's important to us is that, despite the superfical stuff, we have things in common and enjoy each others' company. Don't let the stereotyping get you down, and if anyone has a problem with it, that's their own insecurities talking.

 

Hey thanks for the advice..... a lot!

Oh... and...

My group of friends is just like that!!! You nearly described us!

 

Oh wow, really? Awesome! It's wonderful to have a diverse group of friends. It gives you more to talk about and makes things more fun, as opposed to bland and monotonous.

 

And it's grea t also because I have about two friends in every class so you're never bored in lessons

 

Stereotyping...why does it happen? I've neever really been judged to harshly.I I'll get back to you.

 

I hate being sterotyped.....
This is what I am at school: *takes out a long list*
Boff, geek, boring, simple, porn addict, manga girl, emo, mosher, loner, good drawer, big boobed, thick, ginger, blonde.......

This goes on FOREVER!

 

What are you in reality then?

 

lol

Sterotyping is good and bad in loads of ways

firstly, police people sterotype alot (at least what i see on TV anways)

so like they sterotype druggies by seeing them hang in the alley with a hoodie over them... in some ways, this is good, but the saying "dont judge a book by it's cover" also applies. So... try not to let others think of you as a weirdo. Just ignore them, as the princpal of sterotyping is used in many modern societies. Hope this helps :)