Editorial

All stereotypes warrant taking offense

1/27/2010

In reference to the previous article on a "positive stereotype," offense should be taken to a stereotype ("positive" or "negative") because stereotypes make you out to be something that you are not; whether that expectation is a perceived "positive" or "negative" is irrelevant.

A stereotype is an assumption about who you are based upon your race, sex, gender, orientation, ethnicity, age, ability/disability, nation of origin, socioeconomic status, etc. Regardless of whatever it may be, it is still an assumption that you are precisely like everybody else who is a member of the same demographic. Not only is it an assumption and expectation about who you are and what you represent, it is a label. It is an expectation to embody just that demographic, stripping away your individuality. A "positive" stereotype is, therefore, just as detrimental as a "negative."

If the majority is stereotyped as educated and rich, what stereotype does that leave for the minority? The only assumption, the only "positive" stereotype, should be that we are unique. We are individuals who belong to, and are not defined by or limited to, many demographics. Acceptance of an assumption only leads to ignorance; a stereotype is a stereotype.

Jeremy J. Koepf

GVSU student

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