Stereotyping is a common issue that has led to misunderstanding a lot and as much as we think we are victims, many of us are guilty too. One way or the other, we've made assumptions about people judging them by their gender, skin color, height, and many other factors. It's one of the reasons why discrimination is a rampant thing around the world and it's sad how we keep promoting it.
I have been stereotyped by people for different reasons, and it doesn't bother me anymore like it used to back then. I tell myself it's a stereotype and not a reflection of who I am. When I was much younger, I spent a lot of time trying to convince people that I am not what they assume but as I grew older, I realized that it's pointless. Anyone can assume or believe whatever they want, but it doesn't change who I am.
People will assume and say different things about you just because they don't know exactly who or what you are and that's something we have to live with.
One of the very common stereotypes I have faced is because of my quietness, and it's funny how people think talking is compulsory even when you shouldn't. It has nothing to do with shyness, confidence, or my introverted nature, and I have just been like this. Growing up, I spent a lot of time around elderly people just to listen to stories and experiences, so talking excessively or unnecessarily has never been my thing.
I do more listening than speaking, especially when I don't have anything to say, and some people assume my quietness makes me a silent killer and unforgiving. I just laugh when they say these things because I don't see the connection.
My purpose for quietness is to listen carefully, process words before speaking, and most importantly, speak only when necessary, but it means something else to some people. This quietness of a thing has saved me from many problems and it's really not a bad thing.
Another funny stereotype is people thinking that I am rich but don't want to spend money. It makes me laugh because I don't know where the assumption about being rich comes from. I have been called stingy and many other names but it doesn't matter because you can't know me more than I know myself.
Recently, a church member told me about his wedding, and after telling me the cost of the clothes and cap that will be used, I asked him if I could just wear what I have. He was like, Boss, spend this money and I smiled as usual. I don't have the time for an explanation anymore.
The truth is that I am not rich or poor, I just live within my means and remain contented with whatever I have. I won't do what's beyond my means, and because I don't sing my problems as a melody all the time, it doesn't make me rich.
Even if I am rich, spending excessively on some things doesn't just work for me. I prefer doing something more meaningful with my money than living extravagantly on things that aren't necessary.
The most annoying on my list would be the stereotype about men in the kitchen. The first time an elderly person said this to me, I felt very offended because this has been a tradition passed on for many generations.
Abroad, a good percentage of the chefs out there are male, but it's different here. Men who are used to the kitchen are seen as weak or unserious, which makes zero sense. As a man, helping out with chores shouldn't be an issue, and it doesn't make you anything other than a man.
I have come to realize that staying around to help at home helps the love and bond to grow, so the silly stereotype about men spending time in the kitchen or doing chores is just another invalid assumption.
Like I mentioned earlier, stereotypes aren't a true reflection of who we are. It's a mere misconception we shouldn't be worried about and the biggest mistake we can make is trying to prove people wrong about us. It's better to let them figure out who we are naturally than waste time, effort, and resources on proving a point. It's really not worth it.
All Image Are Mine.