Stereotypical
We live with stereotypes, unfortunately. It is to some way a matter of convenience, as we encounter plenty of different individuals, and stereotyping helps us make assumptions -- and decisions -- by overriding the need to thoroughly investigate, which allows us to move on. In most casual encounters, such as shopping for a pair of shoes, we use stereotypes that suggest to us who might be the manager of the store to whom we can address questions. We are often surprised to find a handsome well-manicured individual wearing expensive jewelry asking us if we can fit in a 9; therefore assuming that he must be the owner. We use common knowledge or, more importantly, our own personal experience, as a basis for stereotyping, although sometimes to a negative, possibly offensive result.
I stereotype as much as the next average human being, and of course I too am stereotyped. If I see a guy at a magazine rack perusing the adult entertainment covers, I've made a stereotype of him (don't ask) that is probably accurate, and harmless to the extent it is clandestine. If I do think about it further, I might arrive at him being a hardworking individual looking for congratulatory entertainment. That I seldom do.
The danger, of course, is to assume that you are correct, and that, while you may be right about some things, you are never right 100% of the time. In dealing with stereotypes all my life, I've always been unsuccessful in repelling them, as I am sure other stereotyped individuals are: it's hard to ask others not to make assumptions. And, I'm very often irked by these stereotypes, because they are often completely wrong. Reflecting on other's assumptions of me has taught me to believe less and less in the habit, and that's a good thing.
For one, I get stereotyped into the spoiled brat Amboy kid. I detest that, plainly because it is wrong. Being spoiled is relative, but I've paid my dues by all means, and in many ways I continue to. I went to UP Rural High School in Los Banos, planted rice and artificially inseminated cows, and went for my undergrad in UPLB as well (where we did less of the artificial insemination, but seldom had a class in an airconditioned room). I've been told by Filipinos: "You're accent is irritating," as I speak English much in the way people in the East Coast do (as I've also been told; people in the United States don't believe me when I tell them I grew up in the Philippines). I guess if they lived in the United States, they're accent could be irritating too. Nonetheless, accents should never be irritating.
Another stereotype I can't put down is the astonishingly inaccurate guess that I'm gay. For one, I really like girls. The fact that I trim my nose hair, am neat, and work as a designer (and has an interest in hair and makeup) may throw some people off (mild examples, really). And, the opposite -- that I'm homophobic -- is also very inaccurate. In fact, all the people that have hurt me and my loved ones were straight, if that means anything (other than yet another stereotype). And, I admire so many people, not because they are gay -- they just happen to be so. Ben Chan is a gift. And, I wouldn't mind meeting Ricky Reyes, because he is a fantastic inspiration.
I guess I blog in a way to communicate with the world of strangers that surround me, in order to indirectly combat these stereotypes. To somehow announce to the world, as narcissistic as that might sound, that I am not who you might think I am (I'm really worse). In browsing other people's blogs, I get the same accomplished: I learn more about them, and how wrong I was with my first impression (equally, how right I was!), as faceless as they are. Though being a reader accomplishes a lot to thin out these stereotypes, the best way to destroy these stereotypes is still to make those strangers your friends. That way, you can make deeper, even darker assumptions.
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Comments
Alas, stereotypes are stereotypes because they are partly true. But thankfully, it's also true that nothing is always what it seems. Paradoxical? Well, we sure can all take comfort in it. :)
I like this line best:
"And, I admire so many people, not because they are gay -- they just happen to be so. "
R,
I just happen to think that stereotypes are just as useful as they are useless. If we only know people to a certain extent, our stereotypes fill in the blanks.
I wonder, does the bad part of it comes from the act of stereotyping, or from the negative aspects we might attach to the stereotypes?
Btw, going to UP Rural High School and UPLB was not part of paying my dues -- in fact, it was the best part of the last 30 years.
H
I dunno the answer to that. It's best not to assume anything, though it's also good to have an educated guess.
E., what an appalling parade of stereotypes! I don't think everyone thinks the way you describe Filipinos. OMG. Maybe a lot, but I'm not even sure of that. I guess stereotypes are a way of making a complex world more manageable. the boxing in of people and things and concept and the persecution that follows are just unfortunate byproducts.
Hi, E, R,
Interesting analysis, E. Never thought of it that way. Maybe it's because I am most brutal in my prejudices against those in the upper 1%. But they too are victims of prejudices.
I think it is rooted most in our lack of exposure. The more one is exposed to varying cultures (not just traveling abroad, but working in a multi-cultural environment) brings down these stereotypes, and in fact celebrates the diversity.
It didn't use to be that way: people during the time of my parents physically kept to themselves and in a way prevented the diffusion of cultures.
R,
Did you know that, according to a recent UNDP study, 47% of Filipinos are biased against Muslims? More than half of Filipinos would prefer to employ a non-Muslim.
And here we are ranting about class structures.
Bulletproofvest
That's hardly ever surprising, knowing Flips/Pinoys. That form of discrimination is unconsititutional and anyone who has democratic pretensions should find it unacceptable. But Muslims aren't the most democratic and diverse and open-minded sectors themselves. Not that it's a good excuse or anything. I've always been wary of the Muslim double-standard. Like Saudi Arabia, which is extremely an unfair country, banning other religions and all that, but when the veil is similarly banned in France, they raise hell. These people are so unfair,and they can't even see through their self-righteous selves.
R,
That's why organized religion stinks. Why live your life with a reason to dislike/discriminate against other people? Why be a Christian and hold a grudge against Muslims?
I'd rather believe in humankind's ability to save itself. I have more faith in that than anything else.
Be that as it may, if people stereotype me as agnostic or an atheist, they may be right.
H