A World Full of Stereotypes

Have you ever wondered what people think when they look at you? Have you ever judged someone based off of their race, religion, ethnicity, culture, gender, etc.? Have you ever been stereotyped? How did it make you feel? I've been stereotyped a lot of times. People often think that since I'm African American, I love fried chicken and kool-aid. People think that I don't eat much because I'm skinny. I'm pretty sure that you've heard many other stereotypes, as well. Lets see, Asians are smarter than people in other races, all black people are ghetto, white girls with blond hair are dumb, only Koreans work at nail shops, all Iranians are terrorists, black kids have ADHD, white children get away with everything, all ministers were bad at one time or another, the list goes on.

How are stereotypes formed? Can they hurt others? When we stereotype other people, how does that affect ourselves? These are questions that we should ask ourselves before we point our finger and make judgments about others. Sometimes it is hard to avoid thinking a certain way about a group of people, but we all do it. Does it make it right? No! We live in a world full of stereotypes. Personally, I am tired of being stereotyped! Just because I live in Kentucky does not mean that I'm a hillbilly! I have a project that we should all do together. Get to know someone outside of your race, religion, ethnicity, culture, etc. You will be surprised that the girl who you thought was stuck up is really nice and down to earth; the college professor who you thought was mean and strict is actually outgoing and lenient; the senior citizen who you thought was bitter and old is as sweet as she can be.