Are sub-stereotypes misleading?

Beginning at birth, we begin to categorize things and people to simplify the world. Some categories benefit and amuse us, while others really suck and can cause emotional scarring. As we get older, our categories become more engrained and we can become more skilled at labeling people. One of the biggest concerns is that we can miss out on some amazing people along the way because we assume that we already “know” them based on a few defining characteristics. Generally these are negative features and keep us from interacting – since they’re probably going to be douchebags anyway, right?

Many of us think that stereotypes are great tools in protecting us from harm, but they can also keep us in negative and judgmental places. Think about what you have to gain by thinking badly about someone you don’t really know. Is it protection from rejection? Is it based on past negative experiences? Is it arrogance that you are better than? Is it bringing up feelings of jealousy or inferiority inside you?

Think about the following groups:

Muscle Heads – There are many reasons why someone would choose to take the time and effort to get in shape by lifting heavy things. Although there are some that do this to overcompensate for small junk or a lack of friendships growing up, there are those who honestly like the look, feel, and health benefits of being fit. Be careful placing judgment on them by thinking they are self-absorbed jocks only interested in discussing workouts or becoming friends with those with under 4 percent body fat.

Twinks – Some people are just naturally smooth, have smaller body frames and enjoy wearing overpriced t-shirts from A&F. Be careful thinking that no one who fits this physical description would be attracted to edgy, furry guys. Similarly, be aware that not everyone under age 25 places more importance on hair and large sunglasses than professional futures or self-improvement goals.

Super Successful – Be wary of confusing insecurity and overcompensation with enjoying nice things. There are people in our society whose lifestyle affords them fancy houses, nice cars and expensive clothes. Some of these people work very hard in their lives and are not necessarily trust fund babies. There are also other people who work very hard to look like these people. Be cautious in judging people based on their acquisitions. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s Diesel jeans.

Bears – Our world is full of a variety of body types and some are larger than others. In the case of thicker builds, it does not speak to low self-esteem, laziness, or lack of pride in personal appearance. Don’t think you can simply entice bears with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with M&Ms and crushed up potato chips inside. Many big guys are just as well-rounded as their tummies and genuinely happy with their lives.

Body Modified – Piercings and tattoos have become commonplace. If the metaphor of the “body as a temple” is continued to its gay logical conclusion, many of us decorate our temples to differentiate ourselves and feel more powerful in our self-expression. Be careful in thinking that someone isn’t kind, educated, or successful because you perceive her or his appearance as extreme.

Instead of judging a book by its cover, you may want to open some of these people up and begin to reading their story before automatically putting them in the bargain bin. There can only be so much gained from checking out the front cover.