by Stephanie Costello

Created on: April 04, 2007   Last Updated: May 18, 2007

What's Your Type?

Stereotypes exist because on some level they're true. That's right, I said it and I'm not backing down. I've always thought political correctness was just a smoke screen for cowards anyway. Now that we've gotten that out in the open, let's have some fun.

Have you ever noticed that stereotypes are only offensive when they are perceived as being negative? For example: How many times have you ever heard a black man stand up and angrily deny that all black men have huge penises? That statement is a stereotype, but I don't hear anyone complaining about it. I've listed below other stereotypes that are accepted and even repeated by the very group being targeted.

Italians are great lovers.

Irish are hard drinking, hot tempered brawlers who love potatoes.(Being Irish myself I can respond to this one: True, true and true) And yes, we do take pride in these stereotypes, demented as that may seem.

Mexicans are hard workers.

Swedish women are beautiful.

Italian women are excellent cooks.

Gay men know how to shop 'til they drop. (And have great style and taste).

Black women are strong.

Bi-sexual women make better lovers.

Small breasted and overweight women are better lovers. (Apparently they try harder to overcompensate for their physical flaws) Don't kill the messenger, I'm repeating what I've heard.

Asians are highly intelligent.

You get the picture. Are any of these statements true? Of course they are. Maybe not in each individual; but often enough to make an impression. This impression when left on enough people results in a stereotype being created. If you don't believe me then ask yourself this: How many of the gay men I know AREN'T flamboyant?

I say we embrace our cultural differences; our physical and emotional quirks with humorous ease and tolerance. Negative stereotypes exist as well for the same reason positive ones do. They don't apply to every person in that group, obviously. One thing is for sure, it isn't worth getting violent over when faced with the ignorance of people who swear and live by the stereotype.

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