Breaking Stereotypes!!
Trapped in Taboos? Must Read.!!!
Stereotypes are characteristics imposed upon groups of people because of their race, nationality, and sexual orientation. These characteristics tend to be oversimplifications of the groups involved, and while some people truly do embody the traits of their stereotype, they are not necessarily representative of all people within that group. Stereotypes are not always accurate and even if positive, can be harmful.
Stereotypes Versus Generalizations
While all stereotypes are generalizations, not all generalizations are stereotypes. Stereotypes are widely circulated oversimplifications of a group of people, while generalizations can be based more on personal experience, not a widely-accepted factor.
In the United States, certain racial groups have been linked to stereotypes such as being good at math, athletics, and dancing. These stereotypes are so well-known that the average American wouldn’t hesitate if asked to identify which racial group in this country has a reputation for excelling in basketball. In short, when one stereotypes, one repeats the cultural mythology already present in a particular society.
On the other hand, a person can make a generalization about an ethnic group that hasn’t been perpetuated in society. For example, someone who meets a few individuals from a particular country and finds them to be quiet and reserved may say that all citizens of the country in question are quiet and reserved. A generalization such as this doesn’t allow for diversity within groups and may result in stigmatization and discrimination of groups if the stereotypes linked to them are largely negative.
Intersectionality
While stereotypes may refer to a specific sex, race, religion, or country, often they link various aspects of identity together. This is known as intersectionality. A stereotype about black gay men, for example, would involve race, gender, and sexual orientation. Although such a stereotype targets a specific segment of African Americans rather than blacks generally, it’s still problematic to insinuate that black gay men are all the same. Too many other factors make up any one person’s identity to ascribe a fixed list of characteristics to him.
Differing stereotypes can also be present within larger groups, resulting in things like gender-based stereotypes within the same race. Certain stereotypes apply to Asian Americans generally, but when the Asian American population is broken down by sex, one finds that stereotypes of Asian-American men and Asian-American women differ. For example, the women of a racial group may be viewed as attractive and the men in that same racial group may be viewed as the exact opposite.
Even stereotypes applied to a racial group become inconsistent when members of that group are broken down by origin. Stereotypes about black Americans differ from those about blacks from the Caribbean or blacks from African nations.
Let us dive deeper into some types of stereotypes which are true (false) in nature;-
India is a Land of Snake Charmers
Snake charmers conjure up images of the ancient and exotic for tourists but are a bane for the average Indian who feels that they portray the country in a backward light. The reality is that snake charming is illegal in India and has been for a number of years, although snake charmers do still exist. What’s more, snake charming has never been prevalent all over India. It was mainly practiced in Rajasthan by the nomadic Kalbelia, or the Kabeliya tribe, a snake charmer caste. Of course, there’s so much more to India than snake charming!
Indians are Poor but Happy
Slums, slums, everywhere! The movie Slumdog Millionaire had a huge impact on the way India was perceived around the world. The amount of beggars in India doesn’t help the situation either. But what usually strikes foreign visitors is that although many people in India have very few possessions, they still smile. Indeed, there is a lot of poverty in India. However, India also holds a significant proportion of the world’s riches. Some of the richest people in the world live in India. In addition, the disposable income of the “great Indian middle class” is now increasing. As a result, people are becoming more materialistic and concerned about status and appearance.
Indians are Uneducated
This is probably the worst and most inaccurate stereotype — that Indians aren’t educated (they drive taxis and work in 7-Eleven stores). The truth is that education is extremely important in India. Even poor village families strive to give their children the best education possible because they know it’s the key to a better future. Doctors and engineers top the list of professions in India. MBAs and PhDs are common qualifications. India also has plenty of business schools, and the government is working hard on providing quality higher education. The education system in India is competitive and challenging, and children are given exams from a young age. Children commonly go to extra tuition after school just to get ahead, especially in big cities.
Indians Worship Millions of Gods
330 million gods in India! Gods and goddesses with multiple heads and arms! What kind of crazy religion is Hinduism? Actually, it’s not what it seems. While Hindus do believe that God is in everything, it’s all manifestations of the one source and creator of reality — Brahman. Therefore every living and non-living thing is viewed as sacred. Each of Hinduism’s many gods and goddesses also represents individual aspects of Brahman. For example, Ganesh is worshipped for good fortune and removing obstacles. Hinduism doesn’t prescribe any set path. Rather followers can worship whichever deity they feel the need to.
well stereotypes have no boundaries the much we read about them the much we get acknowledged with the fact of being falsely stereotyped.
