How can you fight a stereotype?

Question

Any type of stereotype... based on race, religion, gender, etc.

What are the best ways to fight them?

Answer 1

hi

Answer 2

I guess I really don't know of a way to fight them, but I try my hardest not to have them in the first place. We are all God's children, no matter what race, religion, gender, behavior, etc. My goal is to treat all others the way I would like to be treated. I wouldn't want anyone stereotyping me as a dumb blond, a mom of 3 kids with 3 different dads, an ex-Hooter Girl, a crazy Christian, etc. I have had this all done to me and it doesn't feel very good! Do unto others as you would have done unto you! There are so many different and great people out there, and until you take the time to get to know them as a person, no one has the right to judge based on what is on the outside.

Answer 3

Fighting a stereotype makes you still a slave to it, you are reacting someway to it rather than just being you. Ignoring it & being yourself is the only real weapon that will work, they will figure it out as you shine.

Thanks, great question.

Answer 4

Don't.

A stereotype is just a carbon copy personality that an individual sticks with a certain appearance.  Don't lower yourself to that standard -- ignore it.  People who pin on stereotypes are not worth the effort; it's a state of mind that will hinder THEM, not you.

If you're really angry about a stereotype, i.e. the "weak" woman, then be the opposite.  Show in every action that you're powerful, and anyone who still demeans you with that label would be in the minority and flat out wrong.

Answer 5

Beautiful Friend,

It is not possible to "fight stereotypical behavior".  It is possible to set examples and let those people see that such stereotypes are unimportant and that they should never follow a crowd that discriminates due to such matters.  You and I do not agree on religious matters but I do respect your thoughts and beliefs as I do all others.  I care a great deal for you and miss our conversations very much!  Have a great week.

Thank You,

Eds

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Answer 6

Don't because then you'll be changing yourself for no good reason.  The best thing you can do is lead by example.  Others may realise that stereotypes are useless by either realising that you don't fit or by seeing you refuse to use stereotypes yourself.  That's pretty much it really.

Of course, that's all very well to say but what if this negative stereotype is being believed and maintained by everyone including those in power?  I'm thinking of slavery or of n**i Germany when good people stood by (not all by any means but some) and looked the other way purely because of the anti-semetic stereotype that caused a feeling of resentment amongst many Germans.  In this case, what do you do?

Well I still think the people shouldn't change although perhaps it's good to make it obvious where possible that the stereotype is wrong.  Maybe  there's nothing you can do at this level other than fight back using the means that those pathetic people are using?  That's a sad thought because we like to think that there's always a way for good to prevail but that isn't necessarily true unfortunately.

Short answer: in simple cases just ignore it and be yourself but as for more serious cases, I honestly can't think of a non-confrontational way.  Maybe if I do I'll edit the answer.

Answer 7

do the opposite  

Answer 8

You don't. You are asking how do you fight other people's ignorance. You cannot control what someone else thinks. Wasting energy trying to be something you are not and worrying about what other people think is only going to hurt you.

Answer 9

Act in ways that defy the stereotype. If enough people did that, the stereotype would disappear.