Do you find stereotypes empowering or restrictive?
I read some stuff on this site where Asians are perpetuating stereotypes (e.g. the "Stuff Asians Like" and "Stuff White People Like" lists). Why do some Asians think it's a good idea to perpetuate these stereotypes?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Rosa on -
But doesn't the "good at maths" stereotype negatively affect everybody, because if you're Asian, you're not given as much credit for your achievement and hard work, etc (to get good at maths), because everyone thinks it's "natural" or "easier" for you because you're Asian?
Also, "good at maths" also implies "bad at other things (which require more use of the other half of the brain)"......
In Australia (where I live), being good at maths doesn't make people want to do business with you. People assume you're a nerd who has no interpersonal skills. People don't like intellectual types here in Australia. The only people who benefit from the "good at math" stereotype are actual mathematicians (and accountants and statisticians).
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Permalink Reply by Mel on -
I find them empowering, because i feel more entitled to break them and show people something different.
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Permalink Reply by D on -
In the academic sense... let's say in post-secondary school, intellectual stereotypes are good. For example, Rosa replied that Asians are "good at maths". There might be some truth in that, 'genetic' basis ('genetically predispositioned').
Is it wrong to do things that you are 'naturally' good at? Will it make life easier? Well, yes.
Conforming to the stereotype(s) may reinforce them. In the Western perspective, stereotypes are mainly derogatory...
BUT when you are really good at a particular 'thing'. You will get noticed... good and bad.
When you are really good at a particular thing, certain 'people' will appreciate your thinking and give you positive feedback and challenge you constructively. Some 'other people' may scoff at you in jealously. It all depends on the 'people' who you play with. Play on the positive constructive model of thinking, play with people who appreciate your 'intelligence'.
At the end, stereotypes are a way to understand what you 'may' be good at. Even parents reinforce these stereotypes too :D! Harmless in most cases as people like to see what they want to see... heh. Especially, when you are living under 'someones' elses roof...heh.
In Western-thinking, freedom to do whatever and say whatever is celebrated as this enables creativity and social thinking. Conforming to a one-minded stereotype may not be that 'exciting' for people 'in exchanges'. In your town/city, there are two-way streets? Or is it an one-way street?
Stick it to 'Sticky Rice'...heh.
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