What To Do When You Are Stereotyped

Even though people have been discussing stereotypes for centuries, people continue to type and stereotype others. They continue to perceive others as nothing but stereotypes.

Men stereotype women. Women stereotype men. Every ethnic, racial, and religious groups continues to be typed and stereotyped.

And no matter how much we learn about this and the destructiveness for everybody, we continue to type and stereotype.

Many people excuse themselves by stating that there is some basis in reality.

Let’s say you have the Latin Lover stereotype or the Polish are dumb stereotype, or your favorite stereotype.

Of course you are going to find people in those ethnic groups that appear to confirm your stereotypes. You’re going to find some Latin lovers and some Polish who are not as intelligent as you are. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean you continue the stereotype.

Much of stereotyping is your own projection. You might be in the presence of a top level Polish intellectual or a Latino who’s not necessarily the best lover, but nevertheless if you have this powerful image or thought, then of course you are going to be in the presence of a Latin lover or even a lovable Latin or a stupid Polish person.

Some of the most intelligent blondes are perceived as stupid and even given stupid roles in stupid movies that continue this outrageous stereotype. Or they’ve got to play some version of Marilyn Monroe, when they are not Marilyn Monroe. Maybe they want to play a scholar in the movies or a scientist.

Many people trying to prove themselves and prove who they are continuously doing battle with typing and stereotyping and finding it impossible.

Most people can not do battle with stereotypes. The only thing that can do battle with stereotypes is education, educating people about what stereotyping is and giving them problem-solving techniques.

Most people cannot do battle with how others perceive them. Most of the battle is transforming perceptions not necessarily people.

For example if you’re an entertainer. You have to meet with many different people. You’re in the movies. You go on location. People perceive you as some stupid person going with anybody and everybody because that’s their perception of entertainers, then it’s very different for you to prove to these people that you don’t behave in that manner.

Now people have stereotypes of priests working with little children. As an honorable priest, you have to do battle with that stereotype. You’re an honorable priest whose honorable with little children. Now you must do battle with a stereotype.