Stereotypes

 

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And Why We Shouldn't Use Them...

    What are “stereotypes”? What does it mean exactly? It literally mean that it is a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. So it's a noun, but there's still 2 more definitions to this word. The other definition to this word, which is also a noun, is a relief printing plate cast in a mold made from composed type or an original plate.
    The last definition to this word is a verb, “view or represent as a stereotype”.
    I looked up this word on google, so now, going by the first meaning, the one that seems to be used the most, what are the type of stereotypes we have out there? Let's make a list, and I will have a explain or/and definition for theses words.
1. Gothic
2. Gay
3. Emo
4. Lesbian
5. Preps/preppy
6. Nerd/geek
7. Jocks
8. Druggies
9. Drama Club
10. Normal
11. Christian
    This goes much, much further. I'm going to dive deep into several, if not all, of these "stereotypes" and explain what they mean down to core. Be prepared for your eyes to open and see people differently.

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Gothic

 What does it mean to be “gothic”? How much black does one have to wear to be considered “gothic”? Are all gothic people “emotionless”? What's the difference between being “gothic” and “emo”? Don't they both cut themselves? Do gothics worship Satan? Why do they wear so much black, even on hot days?
    Gothic-  (1)Of or relating to the Goths or their extinct East Germanic language, which provides the earliest manuscript evidence of any Germanic language (4th–6th centuries AD). (2)Of or in the style of architecture prevalent in western Europe in the 12th–16th centuries, characterized by pointed arches, rib vaults, and flying buttresses, together with large windows and elaborate tracery. (Adjective definitions)
(Noun definitions) The language of the Goths. The Gothic style of architecture.

    So, when did the word “gothic” become a meaning of when people wore a lot of black? According to http://www.religioustolerance.org/goth.htm, it looks like started back in 1994-1996 when the movie, The Crow, came out.
    I don't think it matters about how much black you wear. I've seen people have different “gothic” styles. Some wear a lot, and others wear a bit more of colors on the spectrum.
    No, not gothics are “emotionless”. They are human just like you and me. They have emotions, they just choose to wear a lot of black, despite what the wear may be.
    There are differences between being “emo” and being “gothic”. This also goes this the question right after, gothics don't do self harm. If they are, stereotypical people might put them in the “emo” category. Now, there might be a different in clothing style, but if you know anyone who is “emo”, they are probably in a depressed state, and need help as quickly as possible. It's the same with some gothic people, not all are depressed, but if they are, give them a helping hand. They are both human just like you. You don't know what their background is, so instead of throwing them in a category, try to be friends with them. Not all of them are mean, just like a “normal” person, anyone can be a bully.
    No, not all gothics worship Satan. Anyone can be a Satanist. Just because they look dark and scary doesn't mean they are. But this will be explained further below.

    According a blog I found, wearing black can make these people feel powerful, protected, mysterious and shadowing.

    According to the Urban dictionary, there are different types of gothic people. Let's take a look at who they are.

    Traditional goths: They usually wear mostly black or white. Rather than all the spikes, they wear long dark clothes made out of leather or velvet. Usually on the brighter side of life, and expect the unexpected. Like Van Helsing, for example. They choose this lifestyle because it's different from the majority. They listen to all kinds of music, but usually favor classical, opera, and instrumental music.

    Modern goths: Bold, creative, and intelligent. Similar to traditional goths, however some characteristics are different. You can find them at Spencers, Hot Topic, and Renaissance Fairs. Will listen to most kinds of music, but they usually prefer hardcore music or metal. They tend to like to feel "heavy" or "extreme" while they try not to break the law. They can be rebellious. The like fine arts, but in different lights of the traditional goth.

    Punk goths: Can wear spiky, studded clothes that some modern goths might wear, but similarities end there. They are nice people, but enjoy breaking rules most of the time. They usually listen to "trash metal" and don't respect fine arts like most other gothic people.

    Emo goths: Now, in this section, it is not exactly what you think. Most people think the these people wish to be the opposite sex and want all of the attention in the world. Trust me, they are a lot different.

    Usually from families who don't function well. One parent could be an alcoholic or stoner, which could make them abusive. There could've been a death of a close family member or friend, or they could just feel alone. They can wear pretty much nothing but black, and sometimes studs. They usually wear skater T-shirts or band T-shirts with black pants or jeans. They have great respect for fine arts. They usually listen to punk rock, alternative, or metal. Some emo goths do self harm, as a way to escape they stress that they feel. They DON'T have to be under stress to be a emo goth, but being under stress will lead to self harm. Creative in their own ways and love to hang out with friends.

    Black goths: Some people call them evil, even though they are generally good people. Most of them are wicans, Satanists, or other "unusual" religions. Can have some similar traits as the other goths.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Goth&defid=2760942

    From my point of view, not everyone who dresses similar to what I had just named off are "gothic". I've seen people who wear a lot of black, and spikes, and such, but aren't gothic. Sometimes we label people just to make ourselves look, and often feel good about ourselves.

    I once had friends that wore plenty of black that weren't gothic, and were Christian!

    What does judging others say about ourselves?

    Now that we've covered gothic, let's move on.

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LGT

What does all of this mean? How do you know if someone is? Can you tell by looking at their behavior, and the way they dress?

    Gay:  jovial or happy, good-spirited ; a homosexual male or female; often used to describe something stupid or unfortunate. originating from homophobia. quite preferable among many teenage males in order to buff up their "masculinity" (www.urbandictionary.com)

    Lesbian: women who are emotionally, romantically, and sexual energies are geared toward other women. (www.urbandictionary.com)

     Transsexual: a male or a female who feel that they were born as the wrong gender.

    So, I remember several years ago, there was a rumor that Lady Gaga was born a man, and became a transsexual, thus making her a female. If I remember correctly, she wrote her song "Born This Way" as a way to say "no, I was born a woman. I just look a little more masculine than other women." So many people were so quick to label her, and she clearly didn't like that.

    There are women who like their hair long and flowy, others like it medium length, and still others who prefer short hair. So what is my point here? I've noticed that some women with short hair are labelled as "lesbian", because of their boyish style. Not all women with short hair are lesbian, there are women with different hair styles who are all different.

    Basically what I'm trying to say here, in general, and what I will try to say in all of these chapters is, don't judge a book by it's cover. Just because a boy seems to act more feminine, doesn't mean he's gay. Just a girl has short hair and likes doing a "man's work", doesn't mean she's lesbian. Someone who is a transsexual may not look like they had the surgery. Appearances are not a good way to "identify" someone. Behavior is the same way, it's not a good way to try to label someone something that they aren't.

    Unless they tell you about themselves, please don't try to label people. People don't like to be labelled, and we do it quite often.

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Preppy Girls and Boys(Jocks)

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Nerds and Geeks

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Animal Stereotypes

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