Today’s class disscussion was more powerful than I think Shari and I both had initially planned. We had hoped to spark some enlightening conversation by asking others the stereotyping they had faced and their thoughts on it. I was surprise to hear some of the answers and shocked that other people are so rude–regardless of whether or not it is intentional. Some of the stereotypes that our classmates have to deal with are shocking and can be hurtful to the victim of the stereotyping. Not only do they damage your spirit but they can cast a negative light for others to see. If a negative stereotype keeps circulating about a person then eventually it can turn into a rumor or people can start perceiving it to be true. This causes people to make assumptions that are simply not so. It made me upset that some of my classmates were being stereotyped in ways that could definitely impact their spirit and their reputation. Naturally some people are cruel and want to have something to talk about, but I also beleive that some people are unaware of the impact they are making by shining this damaging light on someone else. All it takes is one little comment and a stereotype can spiral out of control. As long as people like to gossip and make assumptions I think it will be difficult to completely eradicate these negative images. However, for those of us out there that are genuinely compassionate I think we can take a lesson from this. If you do not understand something about someone you should ask. It it better to ask than just assume that someone is a certain way. Same goes for the media. One insensitive commment can pack a powerful punch. However, if the time is taken to make sure that the topic or image being discussed is understood then the reporter is taking the time to be more compassionate. My best friend is Jewish and from a completely different culture and before her I did not know many people who were Jewish or from Russia. Throughout our friendship I have wondered many things about her religion and culture and asked her about many of the stereotypes that are thrust upon her as a result of background. When her family came to America from Russia she was shunned because she was not like the other children and she spoke a different language. It took her many years but she eventually made friends and is one of the coolest people I know. Just because some kids started talking about her differences in a negative light she was shunned by everyone at her school. I think it is sad that no one took the time to get to know her, becuase they probably would have had a really great friend. But then again if people are going to be insensitive then it speaks poorly on their part and not the victims of stereotyping. Think before you speak and always be sensitive to the differences of other people. And as Bugeja says “Never be afraid to make apologies.”
