What Stereotypes Do You Avoid?

[quote]Stuntman Mike wrote:
I also wear a belt and wear my pants where they should be, to avoid being labeled a fucking idiot, as others around my age are.[/quote]

hahaha…

I used to hate being called a pretty boy cause I iron my clothes when I go out and take care of myself, but like many others have pointed out, I don’t really give a shit what strangers think anymore.

[quote]Professor X wrote:
Headhunter wrote:

Proving stereotypes wrong should be entertaining for you. Show people an intelligent and eloquent black man, and break the stereotypes people have. It won’t eradicate racism but isn’t that a step in the right direction?

They seem to figure that out within the first 5 seconds of speaking to me. It won’t stop me from wearing my earrings, my leather wrist cuffs, riding my motorcycle, lifting really heavy weights or shaving my head. I haven’t had to compromise my personal style much at all (aside from the earrings and leather while active duty and on the job) once in my life. I don’t plan to now.

People can think what they want of me from a distance.

Unless I am on the job, my style is my own and I value it.

I think that maintaining my individuality goes far enough at breaking stereotypes. Anyone who won’t take the time to find that out and judges me negatively because of it is clearly the one with the problem.

I used to care. I even used to care a lot. I quit caring once I found out that no matter how I dress, bigots and those with limited perspectives will still think the same things even if they don’t say it out loud. I would simply be compromising myself by trying to “fit in”.

The last generation was forced to do that in order to succeed at all. I honestly think it is time for society to change a little.[/quote]

You have overcome stereotypes through hard work, intellect, and dedication. All I’m suggesting is that you broadcast this accomplishment somewhat more. Of course, its no one’s job to try and change the world and how you dress is your choice, of course.

Dr. King always made a point of dressing nicely to belie the white peoples’ stereotypes of black men, as did Malcolm X.

It would be great if we judged each other by the content of our character. But that’s an optimistic hope.

Im pretty used to people gawking at my tattoos, scars and my perpetual frown, critisizing my criminal record and unwillingness to finish college. But there are two things I will get nasty about; people being douches about me being jewish, and thinking Im an idiot meathead. I used to get touchy about everything, but I just tell people “Hey! Im an intelligent meathead, and jewish chicks are hot!” lol.

It’s impossible to avoid stereotypes. I’ve found it most prudent to simply do what one likes, and hopefully defy stereotyping along the way, as others have mentioned previously. Perhaps it is my own narcissism, but I’ve always felt that if one remains true to themselves, fuck-all what others think, they will constantly surprise people and shatter their preconceptions. Obviously, I try to live this way myself.

That said, everyone believes they are being exceptional, different, unique, and are not simply pandering to the masses, statistics, and plebian mediocrity–of course, most people are, and simply do not realize it. I guarantee everyone who fits the oldest, most cliched stereotype honestly believes they don’t, that they are somehow their own person. We can’t know, so we do what we feel is best.

I try not to stereotype people based solely on appearance, which I think is the most common mistake people make. Also, generalizations involving people, which always sound stupid when you hear someone else say them.

[quote]Dickie_B wrote:
Im pretty used to people gawking at my tattoos, scars and my perpetual frown, critisizing my criminal record and unwillingness to finish college. But there are two things I will get nasty about; people being douches about me being jewish, and thinking Im an idiot meathead. I used to get touchy about everything, but I just tell people “Hey! Im an intelligent meathead, and jewish chicks are hot!” lol.[/quote]

Such stereotyping has caused the majority of Jewish people I’ve met to be somewhat defensive about it, as you’ve mentioned. I was talking with a girl a few weeks ago, who mentioned she was having Passover dinner the next day. I innocently asked, ‘That’a a Jewish holiday, right?’ (my religion is a bit rusty) and she went off on me for about five minutes. I was actually genuinely interested.

[quote]Headhunter wrote:
Professor X wrote:
Headhunter wrote:

Proving stereotypes wrong should be entertaining for you. Show people an intelligent and eloquent black man, and break the stereotypes people have. It won’t eradicate racism but isn’t that a step in the right direction?

They seem to figure that out within the first 5 seconds of speaking to me. It won’t stop me from wearing my earrings, my leather wrist cuffs, riding my motorcycle, lifting really heavy weights or shaving my head. I haven’t had to compromise my personal style much at all (aside from the earrings and leather while active duty and on the job) once in my life. I don’t plan to now.

People can think what they want of me from a distance.

Unless I am on the job, my style is my own and I value it.

I think that maintaining my individuality goes far enough at breaking stereotypes. Anyone who won’t take the time to find that out and judges me negatively because of it is clearly the one with the problem.

I used to care. I even used to care a lot. I quit caring once I found out that no matter how I dress, bigots and those with limited perspectives will still think the same things even if they don’t say it out loud. I would simply be compromising myself by trying to “fit in”.

The last generation was forced to do that in order to succeed at all. I honestly think it is time for society to change a little.

You have overcome stereotypes through hard work, intellect, and dedication. All I’m suggesting is that you broadcast this accomplishment somewhat more. Of course, its no one’s job to try and change the world and how you dress is your choice, of course.

Dr. King always made a point of dressing nicely to belie the white peoples’ stereotypes of black men, as did Malcolm X.

It would be great if we judged each other by the content of our character. But that’s an optimistic hope.

[/quote]

Dr. King dressed the way he had to to have the greatest effect on a mass of people. The fact that you still talk about him proves he did that well. However, if you think that he was ACCEPTED by the ones he was speaking against during his time, you are one exceptionally deluded individual.

It is not necessary for me to “broadcast” anything about my accomplishments to others. Obviously not doing so hasn’t held me back…so why do you think I need to now? So that stuffy old people will feel more comfortable around me in the grocery store?

No offense, but fuck them, and fuck you too for thinking I should have to endure the loss of self for their (or your) benefit.

I have helped “change” enough by not compromising and STILL making it through.

In fact, being under-estimated is often the greatest advantage. You haven’t figured that out about me yet?

People commonly think that I am white power, or a skinhead or something like that. I pretty much only wear dickies, chuck taylors, and white t-shirts, so I really don’t know why people would think that. I don’t even shave my head all the way to the skin, and I’m not even “white.”

[quote]Headhunter wrote:
It would be great if we judged each other by the content of our character. But that’s an optimistic hope.
[/quote]

I second this. I don’t understand why people have to judge everyone else without knowing the person. It disappoints me when I hear people talking about other people that they don’t even know.

If you behave like a human being, and are considerate, thoughtfull, and responsible, you ought to be treated as such.

[quote]Vicomte wrote:
Dickie_B wrote:
Im pretty used to people gawking at my tattoos, scars and my perpetual frown, critisizing my criminal record and unwillingness to finish college. But there are two things I will get nasty about; people being douches about me being jewish, and thinking Im an idiot meathead. I used to get touchy about everything, but I just tell people “Hey! Im an intelligent meathead, and jewish chicks are hot!” lol.

Such stereotyping has caused the majority of Jewish people I’ve met to be somewhat defensive about it, as you’ve mentioned. I was talking with a girl a few weeks ago, who mentioned she was having Passover dinner the next day. I innocently asked, ‘That’a a Jewish holiday, right?’ (my religion is a bit rusty) and she went off on me for about five minutes. I was actually genuinely interested.[/quote]

Well she shouldnt have done that. What I mean is more like blatant racism. I live in the south and as soon as some people see or hear the last name Schulman, they think its O.K. to greet me as Jew, or Jewboy, or simply say, I cant stand greedy jews, or you look like a kike, so on and so forth. The stupid part though is that my dads a hungarian jew and my mon is swedish, with some jewish people sprinkled in, and I look like my non-jewish swedish side. People are ignorant.

[quote]Dickie_B wrote:
Vicomte wrote:
Dickie_B wrote:
Im pretty used to people gawking at my tattoos, scars and my perpetual frown, critisizing my criminal record and unwillingness to finish college. But there are two things I will get nasty about; people being douches about me being jewish, and thinking Im an idiot meathead. I used to get touchy about everything, but I just tell people “Hey! Im an intelligent meathead, and jewish chicks are hot!” lol.

Such stereotyping has caused the majority of Jewish people I’ve met to be somewhat defensive about it, as you’ve mentioned. I was talking with a girl a few weeks ago, who mentioned she was having Passover dinner the next day. I innocently asked, ‘That’a a Jewish holiday, right?’ (my religion is a bit rusty) and she went off on me for about five minutes. I was actually genuinely interested.

Well she shouldnt have done that. What I mean is more like blatant racism. I live in the south and as soon as some people see or hear the last name Schulman, they think its O.K. to greet me as Jew, or Jewboy, or simply say, I cant stand greedy jews, or you look like a kike, so on and so forth. The stupid part though is that my dads a hungarian jew and my mon is swedish, with some jewish people sprinkled in, and I look like my non-jewish swedish side. People are ignorant.[/quote]

I can’t understand it, myself. It would never occur to me to call someone ‘Jew’, unless, of course, their name happened to be Jewfuss and we were good friends.

lol, jewfuss, lol

[quote]Professor X wrote:
Headhunter wrote:
Professor X wrote:
Headhunter wrote:

Proving stereotypes wrong should be entertaining for you. Show people an intelligent and eloquent black man, and break the stereotypes people have. It won’t eradicate racism but isn’t that a step in the right direction?

They seem to figure that out within the first 5 seconds of speaking to me. It won’t stop me from wearing my earrings, my leather wrist cuffs, riding my motorcycle, lifting really heavy weights or shaving my head. I haven’t had to compromise my personal style much at all (aside from the earrings and leather while active duty and on the job) once in my life. I don’t plan to now.

People can think what they want of me from a distance.

Unless I am on the job, my style is my own and I value it.

I think that maintaining my individuality goes far enough at breaking stereotypes. Anyone who won’t take the time to find that out and judges me negatively because of it is clearly the one with the problem.

I used to care. I even used to care a lot. I quit caring once I found out that no matter how I dress, bigots and those with limited perspectives will still think the same things even if they don’t say it out loud. I would simply be compromising myself by trying to “fit in”.

The last generation was forced to do that in order to succeed at all. I honestly think it is time for society to change a little.

You have overcome stereotypes through hard work, intellect, and dedication. All I’m suggesting is that you broadcast this accomplishment somewhat more. Of course, its no one’s job to try and change the world and how you dress is your choice, of course.

Dr. King always made a point of dressing nicely to belie the white peoples’ stereotypes of black men, as did Malcolm X.

It would be great if we judged each other by the content of our character. But that’s an optimistic hope.

Dr. King dressed the way he had to to have the greatest effect on a mass of people. The fact that you still talk about him proves he did that well. However, if you think that he was ACCEPTED by the ones he was speaking against during his time, you are one exceptionally deluded individual.

It is not necessary for me to “broadcast” anything about my accomplishments to others. Obviously not doing so hasn’t held me back…so why do you think I need to now? So that stuffy old people will feel more comfortable around me in the grocery store?

No offense, but fuck them, and fuck you too for thinking I should have to endure the loss of self for their (or your) benefit.

I have helped “change” enough by not compromising and STILL making it through.

In fact, being under-estimated is often the greatest advantage. You haven’t figured that out about me yet?[/quote]

Well, Prof, its my hope that ASAP we can get rid of any and all excuses for racism. I think that a black man being clean cut and upright, dressing nicely, would help to undermine the stereotypes that many white people have of black people. And sure, I understand that you don’t want to dress or act a certain way for others. Your life belongs to you and the good is to live it.

I’m uruguayan-italian so I’m surrounded by stereotypes all the time depending on where I am.
If I’m is southamerica I stereotyped as the mafioso-spaghetti-eater-italian
When I’m in Italy I’m asked the most stupidest questions about Uruguay…

Stereotypes are my ethernal damnation.

I dress the way i feel like dressing. I run my own office so it’s normally dress or khaki pants and a polo type shirt. leisure time is jeans, shoes or sneakers, t shirts to dressier shirts and so on.

I’m 44, I don’t go for silly trends and expensive crap that’s not of good quality. I want something nice, I call my tailor. I won’t spend 200+ $ for dirty looking torn just the right way jeans.

I get a buzz cut so I don’t need to screw with my hair. I was going to shave it, but that would be more work. I drive a Honda SUV , because I need some room for kids and like the reliability of Hondas.

I like the govt. model 45, Glocks, Sigs, Remington rifles and shotguns, but might buy a Savage from reports of some guys from here to people I know.

Most of my lifting equipment has come from Dave Tate or Louie, with some stuff from Ironmind.

So my stereotype is I own stuff that will still be good years from now. I refuse to buy cool clothes that are overpriced that someone says is in now. I buy guns that last and shoot well. Rifles should be sub MOA. Handguns should last forever with minimal work. Cars should work with minimal maintenance.

I don’t smoke dope, but like a fine beer or scotch. Other whiskeys are okay also. Tropical drinks should only be had by the sea or water. A large lake is okay too. Steaks should be medium at most, a little rare is better.

I’m a life member of the NRA and the Penn state alumni association. So feel free to stereotype me, I don’t really care.

[quote]Headhunter wrote:
Well, Prof, its my hope that ASAP we can get rid of any and all excuses for racism. I think that a black man being clean cut and upright, dressing nicely, would help to undermine the stereotypes that many white people have of black people. And sure, I understand that you don’t want to dress or act a certain way for others. Your life belongs to you and the good is to live it.
[/quote]

I am undecided as to whether this was supposed to be a serious post. If it was indeed serious, that is one of the most racist and undermining things I’ve read on this site. If this is your idea of provoking thought, it’s in very poor taste. Why should any race of people change the way they want to look so that others are more comfortable?

[quote]PonceDeLeon wrote:
I think the one thing that I have become conscious of as of late is my desire to NOT be defined; I only want to be defined on my death bed, when I have stopped living, stopped working.

Not by active aversion of stereotypes but by pursuing anything and everything that crosses my mind and not pigeon-holing myself even with my own passions.

That, and ‘fuck dogma’ are the two philosophies that have kept me going. Maybe the quarter century mark is eeking out the last of my naivete, and I’ll be singing a different tune next year. Who knows.[/quote]

Ponce, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with you a few times. If there is anything that I’m sure of, it’s that you won’t be pigeon-holed. You have so much going on for you that you may not even realize it.

[quote]MsM wrote:
Headhunter wrote:
Well, Prof, its my hope that ASAP we can get rid of any and all excuses for racism. I think that a black man being clean cut and upright, dressing nicely, would help to undermine the stereotypes that many white people have of black people. And sure, I understand that you don’t want to dress or act a certain way for others. Your life belongs to you and the good is to live it.

I am undecided as to whether this was supposed to be a serious post. If it was indeed serious, that is one of the most racist and undermining things I’ve read on this site. If this is your idea of provoking thought, it’s in very poor taste. Why should any race of people change the way they want to look so that others are more comfortable? [/quote]

That is his usual crap.

That is one reason I avoid the political forum of late. No one calls him out on it, or if they do, it is a very rare occurance.

Mind you, he is supposed to be a teacher…of little kids.

[quote]Headhunter wrote:

Well, Prof, its my hope that ASAP we can get rid of any and all excuses for racism. I think that a black man being clean cut and upright, dressing nicely, would help to undermine the stereotypes that many white people have of black people. And sure, I understand that you don’t want to dress or act a certain way for others. Your life belongs to you and the good is to live it.
[/quote]

Why do you think black people should give a damn what “many white people” think?

Do you care what “many black people” think when you get dressed?

hhhmmmm… i wear t-shirts with bands and comic book characters on them, cover myself in tattoos, study things like Krav Maga and ground fighting and boxing, play with swords and guns, have pets snakes, wear a chain wallet and jeans that fit correctly but are from Old Navy… so when people look at me they can’t tell that i’m gay.

[quote]Professor X wrote:
Headhunter wrote:

Well, Prof, its my hope that ASAP we can get rid of any and all excuses for racism. I think that a black man being clean cut and upright, dressing nicely, would help to undermine the stereotypes that many white people have of black people. And sure, I understand that you don’t want to dress or act a certain way for others. Your life belongs to you and the good is to live it.

Why do you think black people should give a damn what “many white people” think?

Do you care what “many black people” think when you get dressed?[/quote]

And thank you for pointing that part of the statement out.

Headhunter, if you feel a certain way, then state that that is your own, personal opinion. No need to drag a whole race of people into it with you because you sure don’t speak on my behalf.

[quote]Agent Frost wrote:
hhhmmmm… i wear t-shirts with bands and comic book characters on them, cover myself in tattoos, study things like Krav Maga and ground fighting and boxing, play with swords and guns, have pets snakes, wear a chain wallet and jeans that fit correctly but are from Old Navy… so when people look at me they can’t tell that i’m gay. [/quote]

Talk about a diversified person with his own style! Your post intrigued me so I checked out your profile. Very cool.