Why does everyone seem to think that homeschoolers are homogenous?

Question

It seems as though many people who are not themselves homeschooled or actually familiar with homeschooled families tend to lump us all together. "Are homeschoolers weird?" That's like asking "Are all black people achololics?" Prejudiced, blind, generalizing. It's really insulting to us. I'm wondering - why do people do it so much? My second example question above would be considered very politically incorrect, but my first is perfectly normal and is one I've been asked countless times.

Answer 1

I know. It's only because homeschooling is outside of today's norms. People today were raised in and by their schools, so they don't understand when a family decides to take another road. I'd also like to know why people automatically assume that just because a child is homeschooled, they don't interact with other people. My children interact with many different age groups and genders everyday. They also interact with other ethnic groups more than the average kid, mainly because they aren't cooped up in a classroom for the better part of daylight. They can go to playgroups, the zoo, museums, festivals anywhere in the nation. I wouldn't have it any other way, and the good part is, more and more people decide to do it every day! The more people that take that road, the less stigma there will be.

Answer 2

I was homeschooled too and people look down on me for it just because it's "different." Everyone keeps telling me to go out more and associate with people but the truth of the matter is, I have mingled with SO many people all my life, and most of the people who I've come across have been the type of people nobody would want in their life. People you can't trust, talk to, be yourself around. So that's why I prefer to be at home rather than go out and meet new people, I don't attract the right crowd. There is nothing abnormal about being homeschool, if you are comfortable with it and happy with it, let people say whatever they want. What do they know about you? I am sure you are a wonderful person and you just do what you like, it is your life after all. Do what makes you content, not someone else. Life is short, you might as well enjoy it. =)

Answer 3

People are always going to have opinions. Some kids are home schooled because of sickness. Or because their parents wanted to make sure they were actually doing the school work. I wasnt doing well in H.S which is why I got homeschooled. If i wasnt going to go , why waste 4 years hanging out and having lunch ? And there is nothing weird or different about me , besides the fact that instead of running from security guards everyday , I woke up a couple of hours later , like 11am. Did some work and went on with my day.

Answer 4

It's just a different way of doing things and although I'm really impressed with using "homogeneous" rather than saying "all the same", the spelling of Alcoholics could have used some work.
Honestly, the only time you really hear about home schooled people is when they are are on the fringe of society. One never hears about the kid down the street being home schooled. It's assumed (I'm just saying) that people with extreme ideas are the ones who home school their kids. And then there is the whole social aspect of the idea. Kids need interaction with other kids from other tracks of life, so you can be socially responsible.

Answer 5

Because they are ignorant. If they actually wanted to know the truth they would ask, "What was homeschooling like for you?"

Unfortunately weirdness sells news stories while normal doesn't.

Answer 6

because they don't know enough about you to see the difference between groups. Perhaps get out and meet some people who go to regular school.