2008 Woodie Awards
Why stereotype people
The controversy of being different
Billy Fleming
Issue date: 5/8/03 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
It's not okay to be different. We, as Americans, say it is. We claim to accept diversity. But we don't.
I, like many others, have sometimes been close-minded toward certain groups of people, whether it was because of fear, a misunderstanding, or a disagreement in belief. Iraqis, pagans, atheists, Jews, homosexuals - It doesn't matter. Differences people have regarding religion, race and lifestyle cause arguments, hatred, violence and both physical and emotional pain every day.
However, I've discovered that understanding is the first step toward acceptance, and that one need not agree with a group's belief or lifestyle to get along with a member of such a group. The problem is, people don't even attempt to understand one another.
Americans have the tendency to stereotype. I've done it. No one is innocent. For example, one hears the word "witch" and imagines a Satan-worshipping, wart-covered woman with a black cat and a broomstick. This stereotype, and many like it, are an inaccurate and cruel representation of a type of people that leads to mistrust and hate.
I consider myself fortunate. Over the last year or two, I've broken barriers and begun to learn about other religions and lifestyles. I haven't necessarily agreed with everything for which they stand, but I've befriended many people who live differently than I do, and diversity of religion or preference hasn't threatened that.
Some of my best friends are homosexual and bisexual, both male and female, and none of the males have ever tried to force themselves upon me. Contrary to popular belief, it's not the intention of every homosexual of either gender to sleep with each person they meet.
Another close friend is Wiccan, or a "witch." And she doesn't fly around on a broomstick or converse with the Devil, both huge misconceptions of the faith. Wicca is a pagan religion, worshipping multiple Gods and Goddesses and revering nature. The Devil is a Christian concept, and therefore is not even part of the Wicca faith.
The problem seems to be this: We find one difference in a person - whether it be lifestyle, religion, race, the way they style their hair or the food they eat - and we condemn them for that difference and assume we cannot get along.
But I can assure you - one difference need not create that wall. Many Wiccans like to watch movies. A bisexual can share your interest in cars. An atheist might be interested in joining that club you joined last week.
You don't have to share or agree with all aspects of a person's lifestyle or culture to have similarities, and to get along. Try it. Don't be so quick to stereotype or condemn. Make an effort to learn about others and accept them for the totality of what defines them, rather than rejecting them because of one aspect of their life. If you don't agree with all of a person's ways, fine. It doesn't mean you can't still be friends.
I, like many others, have sometimes been close-minded toward certain groups of people, whether it was because of fear, a misunderstanding, or a disagreement in belief. Iraqis, pagans, atheists, Jews, homosexuals - It doesn't matter. Differences people have regarding religion, race and lifestyle cause arguments, hatred, violence and both physical and emotional pain every day.
However, I've discovered that understanding is the first step toward acceptance, and that one need not agree with a group's belief or lifestyle to get along with a member of such a group. The problem is, people don't even attempt to understand one another.
Americans have the tendency to stereotype. I've done it. No one is innocent. For example, one hears the word "witch" and imagines a Satan-worshipping, wart-covered woman with a black cat and a broomstick. This stereotype, and many like it, are an inaccurate and cruel representation of a type of people that leads to mistrust and hate.
I consider myself fortunate. Over the last year or two, I've broken barriers and begun to learn about other religions and lifestyles. I haven't necessarily agreed with everything for which they stand, but I've befriended many people who live differently than I do, and diversity of religion or preference hasn't threatened that.
Some of my best friends are homosexual and bisexual, both male and female, and none of the males have ever tried to force themselves upon me. Contrary to popular belief, it's not the intention of every homosexual of either gender to sleep with each person they meet.
Another close friend is Wiccan, or a "witch." And she doesn't fly around on a broomstick or converse with the Devil, both huge misconceptions of the faith. Wicca is a pagan religion, worshipping multiple Gods and Goddesses and revering nature. The Devil is a Christian concept, and therefore is not even part of the Wicca faith.
The problem seems to be this: We find one difference in a person - whether it be lifestyle, religion, race, the way they style their hair or the food they eat - and we condemn them for that difference and assume we cannot get along.
But I can assure you - one difference need not create that wall. Many Wiccans like to watch movies. A bisexual can share your interest in cars. An atheist might be interested in joining that club you joined last week.
You don't have to share or agree with all aspects of a person's lifestyle or culture to have similarities, and to get along. Try it. Don't be so quick to stereotype or condemn. Make an effort to learn about others and accept them for the totality of what defines them, rather than rejecting them because of one aspect of their life. If you don't agree with all of a person's ways, fine. It doesn't mean you can't still be friends.