Have you ever been called dumb because you were blonde? Have you ever been called a criminal because you were black? Yes, as sad is it may be, these types of sterotypes exist in the world today.

In movies, you see stereotypes just as often as you would see them in a real world. Even if we realise it or not, we’ve all stereotyped someone or something before. However, the true hurtful nature of stereotyping only comes to our thoughts when someone uses it against us. Imagine being in a store and having the employees watch the suspiciously if you’re a teenager. While statistics do show that teenagers steal, that does not mean you need to watch each and every one like a hawk on the prowl for its dinner- in this case, most does not mean all.

Stereotyping can easily be ignored by witnesses and even victims of it. The truth is that it is one of the harshest forms of verbal criticism, and can even go as far as racism and hate crimes against a particular religion. No matter who or what you are, the are always subject to being stereotyped- perhaps this is what makes it so lethal. But why do such harsh stereotypes exist in the world today?

Believe it or not, it is our own senses of inviduality that create stereotypes- we all strive to be unique and different, but when one person of a particular group does something of their own mind, we assume that to be the mindset of that person’s family, race, and even religion at times. That is what defines a stereotype- our own blindness to the things that make us different. A shame, huh?

While stereotypes are severe and assuming, they can be prevented. How? By simply spreading the word and standing up for yourself when you are stereotyped. I hope that by reading this article you have a better understanding of stereotypes and please, share this with your friends! Whatever you can do to stop stereotyping, do it. Little by little, we work together in unison to create a better world for not only us to live in, but our children. Even our children’s children!

Thank you, and remember-

Spread the word!