Be More Than the Stereotype

Women are more emotional than men. Men never ask for directions. Young people don't want to work. Girls like pink and pretty things. People in wheelchairs are also mentally challenged. Plain Janes. Jocks. Cheerleaders/Preps. Goth/Emo. Goody Two Shoes. Geeks/Nerds. Rednecks/Hicks. Punks/Skaters.

Stereotypes are everywhere. People all over the world get reduced to “fitting in” with a specific group, whether we really fit in to it or not. Even if we try our best to individualize ourselves so that we don’t get placed under one of these categories, we are classified as “weird” or “loners.” There is no way to avoid or stop these common perceptions; however, there are steps we can take to overcome them and love ourselves for who we are.

First of all, you should identify or discover who you truly are. Are you quiet and shy, or loud and outgoing? What are your passions without letting parents or friends influence you into something else? What makes you unique and stand out of the crowd? Once you figure that out, embrace it. Try to develop a positive viewpoint of your natural qualities and personality. Don’t let anyone else’s opinions of you change your opinions of yourself. If you know who you really are, then you will realize how ridiculous the stereotype actually is and why you don’t fit in with it. A way to do this is to begin a list of the reasons why you do not fit in with the commonly perceived label that you are being placed under.

Secondly, educate yourself about your stereotype. Most of them originated in some part of history, no matter how ignorant they may seem. For instance, a majority of high class people had indoor jobs while middle and low class individuals had to work outside on farms or construction sites in the sun, hence the term “red-neck.” Ever wondered why blonds were the dumb ones? Some people say it’s due to the fact that men would be more attracted to blond women and notice only the “dumb” things that they did. Others think that it was brought on, or at least encouraged, by celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Suzanne Somers. The media has especially played an important role in supporting stereotypical behavior. In general, sitcom families normally consist of the smart, nerdy child with oversized glasses, the rebellious, teenager, and the good-looking, older son or daughter. Then, you have the working mother, who takes care of the house and kids, married to the messy father, who also works but doesn’t do anything at home except for sitting on the couch, watching TV, and drinking a cold beer. So, as you can see, if you know the source of the stereotype that you are being subjected to, you can further understand where it is coming from and overcome it more willingly.

Next, try to identify some positive role models in your specific stereotype or just in general. Every group has its determined individuals who have conquered their fears, came out of their shells, and broken away from the crowd. Identify these barrier breaking people whose accomplishments and exceptionally positive attitudes are proving or have already proven their negative stereotypes wrong. For example, the famous and very inspirational, Helen Keller suddenly lost both her hearing and vision at the age of 19 months due to an illness. Against all odds, however, she grew into a highly intelligent and sensitive woman who wrote, spoke, and worked hard to help other people who were suffering and confused, just like she was. She had shown the world what a severely disabled person could accomplish with an incredibly positive outlook on life and a lot of persistence. Now, you may be thinking, but I can’t be like her. Nothing I can do will ever be as courageous and inspiring as what she did. Well, how do you know that for sure? No one ever thinks that they will really break these “barriers” and be an inspiration to people everywhere. They merely try to live their lives as best as they can and not let anyone bring them down.

Do not define yourself by the negative image that you have become a target to. Be more than the stereotype. Use all of the pessimism and disapproval as inspiration to rise above the negative viewpoint. Don’t be someone that you’re not, just because that is what everyone expects you to be. You have to remember, however, that you shouldn’t defy a stereotype just for the sake of defying a stereotype. Do what’s natural for you. By discovering the true you, realizing just how ridiculous these stereotypes really are, and finding inspiration from other positive role models who have broken some barriers, you will soon figure out that you don’t really care what other people think about you.

Process Analysis Essay Outline

Title: Turn Your Back on Stereotypes

Thesis Statement: Stereotyping will never fade away; however, there are steps you can take to overcome it.

I. Know yourself.
A. If you know who you really are, then you will realize how ridiculous the stereotype really is and why you don’t fit in with it.
B. Begin a list of the ways you do not fit in with the commonly perceived label.

II. Identify positive role models.
A. Every group has its determined individuals who have conquered their fears, came out of their shells, and broken out of the crowd.
B. Identify these barrier breaking people whose accomplishments and attitudes are proving their negative stereotypes wrong.

III. Educate yourself.
A. All stereotypes originated in some part of history, no matter how ignorant they may seem.
B. If you know the source of the stereotype that you are being subjected to, you can understand where it is coming from and overcome it more willingly.

IV. Be more than the stereotype.
A. Do not define yourself by the negative image that you have became a target to.
B. Use all of this pessimism and disapproval as inspiration to rise above the negative viewpoint.