Editorial

Personality, interests exist beyond appearance

1/27/2010

Two weeks ago, I was asked the question, "How have you been stereotyped?" for the "Your Insights" section of the Lanthorn. I replied, "I always get people that think I'm really good at math. Honestly, I'm not bad, but they shouldn't assume that." Even though I am biracial and grew up with American culture, I am susceptible to false assumptions that I excel at math because of my Asian-ness. The author of Monday's student editorial, titled "Misguided compliment or positive stereotype?" responded to my comment and raised an interesting question: Is there such a thing as a positive stereotype and should we complain about them?

I can see why being called "good at math" may not seem offensive. Why complain because someone thinks you're smart? Well, this is problematic for many reasons. For starters, not all Asians are good at math. Are people who don't live up to a "positive" stereotype supposed to feel bad if they aren't in touch with an imaginary inherent gift?

It is not logical to judge someone's mental capabilities, behaviors, or personalities based on their physical features. If we can justify making a "silly correlation" for a positive stereotype of a group of people, then why not make an illogical relation to associate something negative with other racial minorities? Stereotypes in general encourage close-mindedness and misunderstanding, key weapons of racism and other -isms.

Asking if someone is good at math because they look Asian is a real racial comment because an assumption is being made based on the person's race, and it isn't a compliment to say that an individual must be good at certain activities just because she has the physical traits of a particular racial or ethnic group.

I understand that people may not have harmful intentions when they use this stereotype on me, but I get tired of people assuming that I must be a math major or a genius just because I have Asian features. Math is not significant to who I am. I'm a liberal studies major. I'm passionate about feminism. I enjoy a good debate now and then. Would you know this just from glancing at my almond eyes or yellow skin?

Jennifer Spiller

GVSU junior

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