They're all around us, created by us, used by us. They demonstrate what is right and wrong, and even entertain and make us feel better about ourselves. I am, of course, talking about stereotypes, those glorious formulaic and over-simplified archetypes for what people and things could be.
Yet, these noble projections of our assumptions are under attack, assailed by those interested in truth and the greater good. Pah-shaw, I say, your greater good will be the end of us. What may seem like an attempt to cast aside shallow beliefs will actually cause a terrible burden on everyone.
Don't you understand? Stereotypes make your life easier since your actions will be compared to some made-up level of suck. This established level is so dismal, you can't help but live up to and surpass it.
Take coasties\ for example. It's been all the rage to apply this stereotype as of late and, for a fair while, it was a splendid title to the face of a quite annoying lot. This creature pranced around campus in comical costume figuratively scuffing the shoes of those with less money and stepping on the toes of those lacking the same brown-ish hue.
But then someone took it personally and started bitching. Hmm, sounds like someone was fitting the mold incredibly well. Words were spoken and written, and sides were taken. That's when the good was lost.
If people would just take a step back and let their actions speak for themselves, others would realize how superb they are in comparison to what was expected.
And it works for everyone, those who are grouped in the label and those who aren't. Take, for instance, if you don't wear pastel-tinted windshields and a signature coat. Congrats, up front I'm not sure if you're materialistic and self-centered or not.
Oh, I'm sorry, you do traverse campus wearing Ugg boots discussing your parents' wealth? Well, you still benefit just as much. Since the stereotype is a caricature combining all the worst attributes of a type, you're all but guaranteed to impress other people who won't be expecting much from you. Hell, I've met a few who would be labeled as ""coasties"" and they are quite bearable, even friendly. The stereotype creates a lowest common denominator that doesn't really exist and thus everyone wins.
The only real issue with the whole ""coastie"" phase of late is that it's all played out. ""But they suck"" and ""oh you're just jealous"" have been heard in all their variations. The bar has been lowered as much as possible; we must focus on a new group before some girl wins a Nobel Prize for ""not being as much of a slut as I expected.""
But there is room for growth. Notice I said ""some girl."" The affectionate label of ""coastie"" has a definite feminine connotation. So let's take baby steps to new alienation and become aware of the ""coaster,"" the male alternative.
Connected by their love of all coats North Face and similar skin tone, the ""coaster"" prefers to accessorize with aviator sun glasses and a coral necklace. Money is also a common theme as everything they wear is brand name, yet they show they're still average by sporting blue jeans, though these usually cost in the triple digits. If you ever come across a ""coaster"" make sure you expect the worst… for his sake.
But don't stop there. Please, continue to believe in stereotypes of all shapes and forms. Uphold the assumptions that allow everyone to excel so readily. I don't think I could go on without hearing, ""Hey, you're not as much of a d-bag as I thought"" ever again.
The stereotypical person e-mailing Eric at ejjensen3@wisc.edu is way cool, totally popular, super smart and destined for greatness. Wait… that's you, isn't it?
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