Stereotypes hinder diversity
By: Aditi Dubey
Issue date: 8/10/07 Section: Ed-Op
Originally published: 8/10/07 at 3:38 AM EST
Last update: 8/10/07 at 3:38 AM EST
Originally published: 8/10/07 at 3:38 AM EST
Last update: 8/10/07 at 3:38 AM EST
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I'm not even sure where these standards originated in the first place. There is nothing in the histories of these cultures that might explain some of the logic behind these beliefs. It just seems that it's no longer okay to be who you are.
This, if nothing else, is the biggest ethical failing of society. There is such an urge for uniformity and conformity in order to be "social" that the idea of individuality is quite lost. It is as if society is designed to divide and exclude and not to unite.
That's not all. I used to volunteer in the cardiac surgery department of Hospital of UPenn. Most of my co-workers were middle-aged, amiable nurses. After a couple of days, they became friendly with me and would chat with me about various things.
They were quite pleasant to work with and would occasionally compliment me about things, but I wasn't quite sure how to react to this one: "Why, you have nice, child-bearing hips."
Excuse me? Are you kidding? And I have recently learned that apparently, women get that a lot. So, in addition to everything else, women and men must now fit in the standard stereotypes of femininity and masculinity. So apparently, because I'm a woman, I am supposed to have children and it is just so awesome that my body seems to be manufactured just for the purpose.
For the men: if you don't know what I'm talking about, try to wear something pink or purple one of these days and you'll see what I'm talking about. Cry at a movie and you're a laughing stock.
Stereotypes are everywhere, just like bacteria. They're ugly and you don't like them and you really wish they would go away but alas, what can you do? They just seem to survive everything and hide in the deepest corners.
Adding to all this is the habit, especially among college students, of equating the word gay with something stupid, lame, or distasteful.
"That is so gay," we all hear.
So if you are crying at a movie and if you are a guy, chances are that you'll be told that you are "so gay." I don't know how this is supposed to work out but apparently, if you are of one sexual orientation, you are automatically stupid, lame and have poor taste. Oh wow, talk about diversity and being different.
There is lot more to stereotypes than meets the eye. You really need to be able to see things from another's perspective and you must have an open-mind, tolerance and most of all, the ability to recognize and accept those who are different from you, in order to truly be diverse.
I offer nothing new. These things have been said over and over again by people far more learned and educated than myself. Things haven't improved the way these people had hoped. Maybe we're too apathetic to notice.
Aditi Dubey is a junior majoring in biology and is a Triangle staff member.
This, if nothing else, is the biggest ethical failing of society. There is such an urge for uniformity and conformity in order to be "social" that the idea of individuality is quite lost. It is as if society is designed to divide and exclude and not to unite.
That's not all. I used to volunteer in the cardiac surgery department of Hospital of UPenn. Most of my co-workers were middle-aged, amiable nurses. After a couple of days, they became friendly with me and would chat with me about various things.
They were quite pleasant to work with and would occasionally compliment me about things, but I wasn't quite sure how to react to this one: "Why, you have nice, child-bearing hips."
Excuse me? Are you kidding? And I have recently learned that apparently, women get that a lot. So, in addition to everything else, women and men must now fit in the standard stereotypes of femininity and masculinity. So apparently, because I'm a woman, I am supposed to have children and it is just so awesome that my body seems to be manufactured just for the purpose.
For the men: if you don't know what I'm talking about, try to wear something pink or purple one of these days and you'll see what I'm talking about. Cry at a movie and you're a laughing stock.
Stereotypes are everywhere, just like bacteria. They're ugly and you don't like them and you really wish they would go away but alas, what can you do? They just seem to survive everything and hide in the deepest corners.
Adding to all this is the habit, especially among college students, of equating the word gay with something stupid, lame, or distasteful.
"That is so gay," we all hear.
So if you are crying at a movie and if you are a guy, chances are that you'll be told that you are "so gay." I don't know how this is supposed to work out but apparently, if you are of one sexual orientation, you are automatically stupid, lame and have poor taste. Oh wow, talk about diversity and being different.
There is lot more to stereotypes than meets the eye. You really need to be able to see things from another's perspective and you must have an open-mind, tolerance and most of all, the ability to recognize and accept those who are different from you, in order to truly be diverse.
I offer nothing new. These things have been said over and over again by people far more learned and educated than myself. Things haven't improved the way these people had hoped. Maybe we're too apathetic to notice.
Aditi Dubey is a junior majoring in biology and is a Triangle staff member.
Sam
posted 8/10/07 @ 10:51 AM EST
All a stereotype really is is a shortcut. Think about it.