Lately there has been quite of bit of talk about stereotyping. I know and will proudly admit that I am one of those that will stereotype people. I know driving in my car if I see someone that scares me or looks different I will lock my car door. Why?! Because subconsciously I stereotyped them to be dangerous. How many times are you out and about with your kids and you get that fear and reach out for your kids and hold on to them just to make sure no one will take them.. Why do we do that? Because we are stereotyping them.. Do I think its a bad thing? To some degree it might be but its what we do to keep ourselves safer. I am a bit different then most people though. I admit I stereotype quite often. I do it to the tv evangelists and wonder how much of what they are doing do they really believe in or are just doing the maga churches only to get more income and to live a life of luxury? I have stereotyped church goers as hypocrites. Of course its because of the situations I have been in and such. I do know that when I first meet someone I don't trust them hardly at all. Unless you give me a reason to trust you. I find the homeless people and people with less are much easier for me to trust.. Why you may ask. Because they don't take things for granted like people that have many more things. They will actually talk with you and hold a conversation that isn't only about themselves. I have even opened my door to people in need of a place to stay. Why because I have been homeless and all I wanted was for someone to open the door for me and give me a chance. I try to teach my kids to love everyone and recently learned how to help my kids deal with the bullies at school. I don't want my kids to think everyone out in the world is out to harm them but I will hopefully instill in them to keep an open eye around their surroundings. I do find it a learning experience and a way to open communication with my kids. We discuss the big burly biker dude and the little old lady scenario and I ask them who seems safer. I don't want them to be afraid of biker guys or little old ladies but I also give them scenarios of both being dangerous and then of both being very innocent. My son has already learned somewhat of stereotypical regards. Having a white momma and being a dark skinned half white and half mexican. People always ask if He knows his native language. Thankfully my son has learned some sarcasm and says, Why yes I speak Texan Thank yall! We joke about him being the only mexican we know with such a strong twang. lol My daughter on the other hand is fully white and let me tell you SHE has an attitude like no other. She was also born in Texas but her mannerisms and the way she talks you would think she was a valley girl. She is very matter of factly and states everything with great resources to her knowledge, yet if you say one slightly negative thing about her you get flooded with tears. She takes everything to heart and wears her heart on her sleeve.
I stereotype everyone it seems. Always thinking about the type of person they are throwing themselves out there to be and how close to that they could be if I would just take the time to get to know them. I remember my grandma and I sitting at the bank and just watching people walking in and out and she would point out their feet and the way they walk.. (IE pigeon toed, knobbed kneed) and then she would tell me stories about what characteristics those people would have. I miss that special time with my grandma. Do I feel stereotyping is wrong?! To a point. I am a skinny lady and get asked all the time if I am on drugs. I take offense in a way only because its hurtful. I do believe that stereotyping has both ups and downs but the first step is admitting to it and noticing when you do it and why. I have learned I do it mainly when I feel unsafe. When and why do you stereotype?
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