Stereotypes

               There has been much talk in my Freshman Composition class about stereotypes. I think the discussions we have had just go to show how powerful words are, and how infectious ideas can be. The talk of stereotypes also raises the question “How can they be defeated?” How can you stop ignorance from developing into a person’s way of thinking or even their beliefs?

               My mother always said that ignorance and racism begin at home, and my father always agreed. Children are the products of parents. Things like words, thought, religion, respect, moral, and tradition are often passed on from parent to child.

               Luckily, most children to not stay at home forever, and most parents do not outlive their children. I believe this makes the time that children spend in the outside world crucial. Eventually those outside of home can be just as infectious. As much as I’d hate to say, this provides some need for political correctness.  In the work place, at school, even in public areas, the words we say carry on. We choose what flows through the air. But, regardless of what we choose, what we say will be heard. So perhaps by discouraging stereotypes, minding what we say, and carrying ourselves appropriately (meaning not proving our stereotype true in the way we carry ourselves), we can begin to break down the walls that stereotypes have placed in front of us.