September 19, 1998

Stereotypes

The experts have much to say about stereotypes. Psychologists say they are formed from broad generalizations about a few people and should not be used in reaching conclusions about anyone. Writers strongly forbid the use of stereotypical characters, saying they are unbelievable.

I have problems with this. First, stereotypes do tend to limit one's interpretation of another, but there is a factual basis to them. A stereotype is not a complete description of an individual, but is a good start. And secondly, stereotypes exist for a very good reason-- at some point in time, a person liked that existed. Minor characters are often best if they are stereotypes for everyone will understand their motivations. Major characters, however, can be an outgrowth of stereotypes, but should not be limited to such.

Finally, I believe in one other thing about stereotypes. Everyone is a stereotype. We are nerds, jocks, sluts, geeks, dreamers, heroes, cowards, rednecks, city folk, Hoosiers, Bostonians, white, black, etc. This is a vital part of who we are; embrace it.

I'm from Kentucky, and most people think that makes a slack-toothed, shoeless yokel. Well, I'm not, but whenever I go somewhere and meet new people, I strive to perpetuate that stereotype through sarcasm. If I think the people are wise enough to know the defining line between jest and reality, I pull off a classic line of mine in the best slack-toothed drawl I can do, "Yeah to come here, I had to get me somethin' I'd never had before. What you call these thing on my feet 'gain? Shoes? Well, I'll be!"

And surprisingly, people laugh and realize there's more to me. A connection is established and they learn more about me. I use stereotypes to build stronger bridges, not weaker ones.