2 of 8

Write now Article Tools

If you're an attractive blond the you must be a gold-digging, air-headed bitch. If you're of Arabic descent, then you're most likely a Muslim terrorist with a penchant for vestal virgins. If you're a white Southern male, then surely you're a bigot that drives a pick up, listens to Skynyrd, and dips snuff. Although they should be properly disposed of by now, stereotypes are still widely perpetuated in the 21st century.

Living in a trailer has made me intimately familiar with biased opinions. It means that I'm supposed to be ignorant, unintelligent, barefoot and pregnant with a baby on my hip and another hanging on my cut-off Daisy Dukes. There should be at least three dilapidated vehicles in my front yard and a pack of lazy, flea-ridden mutts on the front porch. There is no way I could possibly have all my teeth and carrying on a conversation with me should consist of discussing whether or not I should go ahead and take down my Christmas lights from last year. However, none of the above apply. People assume nonetheless. Such is the result of stereotypes.

Strangely enough, not all stereotypes are derogatory in nature. Asians are commonly perceived as having above average intelligence based solely on their ethnicity. Jewish men are thought to be shrewd in business with instinctive financial skills simply because they ascribe to a certain faith. African-Americans are presumed to be good dancers and talented athletes due to the color of their skin. Although these could be construed as positive stereotypes, in reality, there is no such thing.

Our need to categorize others is long standing and detrimental. Stereotypes take away from the uniqueness of the individual and stuff us into self-defeating pigeonholes. Ascribing to them within our society should've been defeated years ago. Assigning labels to a whole group of people, based on one common trait among them, is unfair and judgmental. Unfortunately, the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. That said, stereotypes will probably exist, not only in the 21st century but also for many centuries to come, unless we look past our differences and accept each person for everything they are.

Learn more about this author, Diane Mackenzie.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Stereotypes in the 21st century?
We want to hear your view. Write now!