Stereotyping

Yesterday I was reading a blog, Complex Femme, and stereotyping was mentioned.

What is stereotyping? According to Dictionary.com

4. Sociology. a simplified and standardized conception or image invested with special meaning and held in common by members of a group: The cowboy and Indian are American stereotypes.
–verb (used with object)
5. to make a stereotype of.
6. to characterize or regard as a stereotype: The actor has been stereotyped as a villain.
7. to give a fixed form to.

It is my opinion that while stereotyping is often taught to children by their parents, whether intentional or not, it is also caused by being uninformed, and can be caused by first impressions, and experiences.

My first stepfather was Mexican American. He was physically abusive to my Mother. Given this experience I could easily stereotype Mexican Americans as abusers. However, I know that isn't true. No matter how hard I tried to get my mom to leave this man she wouldn't do it. Later he cheated on her and then left her for his girlfriend.

My ex both cheated on me and was abusive. So now I have the experiences that would allow me to stereotype all men as abusive cheaters. Again, I know that this isn't true.

My first impression of an Australian was a very rude boy that I refused an alcohol sale to, because he did not have proper ID. First he tried to say I was prejudice against Australians, then he proceeded to put me down through the entire transaction as a rang up the rest of his items. To top it all off it was some how my fault that his credit card would not let him get cash back at the register. I could easily have decided that Australians are rude.

I would ask that before you use stereotypes for groups of people, whether it is religion, race, sexual orientation, or some other group that you take the time to realize how you formed this opinion and hopefully become more informed about the group of people that you are stereotyping. What holds true for one or two individuals doesn't necessarily hold true for a whole group of people.

New to blogging?

So am I.

I would like to share a few sources that I found with you.
Blogger Talk is a blogging community. It has a forum with advice and people that are happy to help you with your questions.

One of the best sources for information that I have found is another blog, Rose often posts tips for bloggers on her blog.

I also encourage you to visit other blogs, often. See what they are writing about it may inspire you for an idea for your own blog. I am not saying to write about what another blogger has posted, just that you may get an inspiration from reading. Make sure that you leave a comment.

Well, that's all I have since I am still learning myself.
Enjoy your blogging experience!

Pagan Bashing

I am appalled that NBC has allowed one of it's commentators to get away with her pagan bashing comment on the Today Show. Is religious intolerance now acceptable on national television?
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/25368216#25368216

Pagans are not bad nasty people. We are mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters. We are your co-worker. We donate to charity, we help our neighbor. We are out there and except for those few that are in it for the shock factor, you can not tell us from anyone else. We care about the earth, we care about what is going on in our society and the world. We love our families and our friends. We work, we laugh, we play, we cry. In short, pagans are no different from any one else.

If you feel that religious intolerance has no place on a national T.V. show I urge you to sign the petition that you will find HERE

Or you can send an email to the commentator HERE

No matter what your religion is no one should have the right to bash it. After all religion and spirituality are a personal choice.