Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this as that stereotypes are a bad thing, or that everyone is stereotypical. But high school is the perfect example. Everyone remembers the dumb, blond cheerleader; the "individual" punk(though occasionally you find a real punk), goths,and emo kids who all look exactly the same; the big, stupid jocks. These people didn't just disappear, they just went to college. Whenever you call them on how they are being stereotypical, they attempt to defend themselves while surrounded with people who look exactly like them. Why? Why not just actually stop conforming by not conforming and be your own person and stop being like the rest of the losers in high school they hang(ed) out with?
2006-11-15 11:24:25 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
I get what you're saying, but its not that easy.
How do you propose people be who they are? How do they know who they are?
And more importantly, WHY are they who they are? We are who we are BECAUSE of society. Like the person above me said- you wear clothes because its the norm in this society. Your views are almost definitely influenced HEAVILY by society. Appearance is the same.
I used to be all caught up in this "be yourself" BS, but I think the majority of the people in the world ARE being themselves, even if somewhat subdued around those they don't know. For instance, people choose clothes on the basis of what appeals to them and what THEY think looks cool. One person likes something, and another person doesn't, yet the first person wears it anyways. Just because a large number of other people- discounting the one in the example- wear similar clothes doesn't mean he/she likes them any less. Trying to be different just to be different is fun, but often it's a load of crap.
Honestly, it's best if we don't even worry about stereotypes. I try not to stereotype others, and I don't stereotype myself, because I realize there's more to me than just the way I dress or the way I act, and the same goes for the dumb, blonde cheerleaders, the "individual" punks, the goths and emo kids, and the big, stupid jocks. You say they aren't being themselves, but do you really know their selves so well that you can make that judgement?
I'm all for individuality, but being an individual doesn't mean changing so you're different than others, and it's not all about appearances. Nobody can tell anyone else that they aren't "being themselves", because how the hell do they know?
2006-11-15 12:36:27 · answer #1 · answered by StercusAccidit 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe no one wants to think they are stereotypical - even if they are clearly an example of what someone would designate as 'classic' to a certain group.
However, falling into a stereotype because you act/dress/etc. a certain way - and judging others by stereotype - are certainly different things though.
It's my belief that as long as I'm comfortable with myself, am proud of who I am and am confident that I am a good person, I am not concerned about what others think of me. I also try not to judge others by the clothes they wear, music they listen to, etc. - otherwise I would miss out on meeting and getting to know some really great people.
2006-11-15 19:34:42 · answer #2 · answered by lisa_tilton 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because in general people like to belong to some sort of group or cause. In high school it's the punks, goths, cheerleaders and jocks, in college, its the Sigmas, the Kappas, Gammas and Deltas. After colleges it's ADL, NAACP, KKK, MADD, NASCAR and LSM (league of soccer moms) ...I made that up...the list goes on. ;-)
People feel that they have greater power in numbers. Being an individual is ideal and commendable but also really tough for some people, I suppose I could say for the majority.
2006-11-15 19:42:01 · answer #3 · answered by ♥Lucky♥ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Human Nature
2006-11-15 19:27:45 · answer #4 · answered by G 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People will group with others of similar interests. Would a goth and to hang out with a jock? I doubt it. One likes wearing chains while the other likes wearing football pads.
2006-11-15 19:29:14 · answer #5 · answered by Roman Soldier 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok well everyone is stereotypical whether you are trying to be or not if you not stereotypical then you are in a way of being like everyone else who isn't. get what I mean there is no way around it so it really doesn't matter.
2006-11-15 19:26:38 · answer #6 · answered by MelC 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's uncomfortable not to fit in. These people think they have to always be like everybody else to do that.
2006-11-15 19:39:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
So, do you wear clothes? Why wear clothes? You are conforming to society by wearing clothes.
2006-11-15 19:51:51 · answer #8 · answered by Thomas A 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sure, when it comes to highschool and stuff like that is somewhat true, i think people just dont like racial stereotypes.
2006-11-15 19:27:46 · answer #9 · answered by incubabe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are either trying to "be an individual" or they are trying to fit in.
2006-11-15 19:55:00 · answer #10 · answered by ry_shadow_tamer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋