Poll: Stereotyping and you

[Darmort]

For a while I've been looking at myself and wondering why every teenaged chav and his son are calling me a goth. Sure, I wear a black hoodie, but that's about it as far as black goes on me and the last time I checked, goths didn't wear combats... now, it may be me stereotyping others, or merely archetyping them, but a goth wears black, usually has make up and usually dyed black hair (or at least it is around here), and a chav wears a tracksuit tucked into his socks and a pair of Nikes with a near bald head (or scum, in an offensive manner).

While I'm personally annoyed with people stereotyping me as a nerd because I like games, or a freak because I happen to listen to music older than me, I also can't help but stereotype. I think the difference is that I keep my thoughts about that to myself rather than call someone out just because they happen to dress like a scene kid or an emo, unless they happen to be a friend of mine (in which case it's more for the effect of comical humour).

So, I'm interested in your views on stereotypes, as well as any experiences you've had with being stereotyped or stereotyped someone else.

 

[Tartarga]

I'm sick of people styreotyping me as a serial killer just because I tried to stab a few people. They were annoying the hell out of me and had it coming so whats the big freaking deal. Idiots.

 

[Skeleon]

Well, stereotyping is bad for society.
But it's kind of normal, considering the human mind always tries to categorize everything it comes into contact with. It's just how it works.
I guess as long as we keep an open mind and are aware our perceptions might be misconceptions, we'll be alright.

 

[klakkat]

I was stereotyped as a hippie for part of highschool, since I hadn't cut my hair for years (I used my long bangs to sleep in class), wore cheap clothes (not tie-dye bullshit), and drove a '74 VW Bug (hey, it was the only car I could get for free). Of course, anyone who actually knew me, which was about half the school, knew I wasn't a hippie because my ideal job involved nuclear experiments and given the opportunity I would own a live nuclear bomb just for shits and giggles.

All in all, stereotypes are useful when you don't have time to actually get to know a person/character since they often are right. With real people, you can't let stereotypes cloud your judgment, but keep in mind that how the person looks is the first impression THEY intended; if it sends the wrong message, that is their fault. Of course, there are limits; you can judge a person by their clothes and how they take care of their appearance, but it is a bit wrong to make snap judgments based on the color of their skin or form of their face; they can't do anything about that (unless they're crazy, see Michael Jackson), so it doesn't say anything meaningful about who they are.

For stereotypes with characters in fiction, they're only really useful when the author doesn't have time to characterize the person. This is very useful and a good practice even for short stories and for minor characters since detailing them too much can waste space or detract from the plot events.

 

[Xyphon]

Back in public school, I was always stereotyped as a slow fat kid. That is, until one of the dumb bastards finally pushed me over the edge. He came behind me, punched me in the middle of the shoulder blades and ran. He was surprised to find out that I was about 2 feet behind him the entire time.

Caught him, caved his face in and was never fucked with again.

 

[DemonI81]

I like being stereotyped. I purposefully give a false impression so people will stereotype me as a burnt out idiot. I do this for 2 reasons:
1) It makes them expect less out of me, so if I do feel like being lazy, I can.
2) I get to surprise the hell out of them once in a while when I whip out... well... myself and show my intellect.

There's few people that know me for me, I like it that way. Stereotypes help me live how I want.
Also, I find that stereotypes exist for a reason. They came from somewhere. That's all I'm gonna say.

 

[Scarecrow38]

Stereotypes are inevitable because we use sight for everything. So in the OP's case, one has to constantly overcome that representation with each person.

They annoy me to no end, but it's a fact of life. What we do have control over, and what I often judge someone's character on, is how we respond to these differences between us and 'them'.

If you can't overcome a negative view, keep it to yourself.

In a sense, stereotypes kinda reinforce why first impressions are so important.

 

[Et3rnalLegend64]

Well, stereotypes are kinda based on truth. It's just that it goes too far and it becomes a blanket description for everyone, which isn't right. I don't stereotype people, but I have fun saying that all Asians look alike (I'm Asian) There is too little variety in the hair and faces, and there was a kid people mistook for me (and vice versa) in high school.