Stereotype - keiko

"What stereotypes do people have about you? What stereotypes do you have about other people? Are stereotypes beneficial or harmful? Why do you think this?"

Since I am a Japanese girl, most people suggest that I am sexually available to foreign men and a girl who is easy to get into bed. Most boys think I am expert in all the sexual programs, but actually I am not. Most boys think I am demure and obedient even they abuse or mock me. I guess this picture of girl being obedient and dominant by the men was come from the ancient Japanese movie. Moreover, Japanese people don’t tend to smile and nod when they are unsure on what has just been said. Some Koreans judge me as a foolish girl just because I am Japanese. Indeed, when I speak English fluently, they suddenly act friendly to me. It’s ridiculous when I see those actions. Therefore, the overall effects of stereotyping are always been negative to me.
The example of positive stereotype is African Americans are excellent sportsmen and superb singers and dancers. On the other hand, in case of negative stereotype is African Americans are less intelligent than the other races. I tend to judge individuals by their appearance, clothing, and intelligence. Although our school is a racially diverse, I tended to associate predominantly with the Asian students while the familiarity was comfortable. However, I don’t alienate those of other nationalities.

People tend to have stereotype about other people who they don’t’ fully know them. That’s why stereotypes are harmful to people. Even “positive” stereotype is harmful to those they target, because positive stereotype can result in negative self-image, stress, pressure to conform, and ineffective intercultural interactions.