Defying Preconceptions

Or maybe "Stereotype Flip": The Thread.

Anyway, I just wanted to have a laid-back, chill, discussions about defying sterotypes, good or bad, real or imagined, as a member of any group at all.

Religious, national, ethnic, age, orientation. Species...if you think you can manage.

Amusing anecdotes. Tips and suggestions. Questions. Anything.

Discuss and have fun.

My philosophy teacher once said this about it, in the words of Jean-Paul Sartre. "You are what you are not and you are not what you are."

In other words, labels (such as culture, upbringing, race, gender, sexuality, etc.) determine what you are and at the same time don't. Every person on Earth both fits into a stereotype (or trope) in some way and yet also defies that trope.

Okay, stepping down from my soapbox now.

Stereotypes are a mish-mash of every single detail even vaguely associated with a group, so in my experience everyone is a little bit stereotypical, but no-one really fits them all that well.

My family is mostly from Texas, but my mom was born and raised in northern California. Before she moved here with my dad, she thought that everyone rode horses on a regular basis.

They don't??

(I kid, I kid)

Okay, to tear down one particular stereotype that leaves me with a certain distaste: British people have the best teeth in the developed world. The very best! We just don't care as much about dental aesthetics (straightness, whiteness) as the Yanks.

Wait. You're English??

(beat)

Hm. I had no idea.

Edit: Just cause I think God built the world in six days doesn't mean I failed all my science classes.

edited 5th Apr '12 2:22:56 PM by TheStarshipMaxima

Admittedly, not the clearest indication. But do bear in mind that "British" could cover Welsh, Scots and Northern Irish, too.

Just geology, biology and cosmology, eh?

edited 5th Apr '12 3:18:18 PM by pagad

Good one!

I am an incredibly sexy nerd who continues to excel a

Ahem.

I am a horrid atheist who volunteers frequently at local food pantries and libraries. The opportunity to make the day of someone in need is too great to pass up.

Naw, you're just a closet Christian. Also, we all know Nerds Are Sexy. Only the uninitiated are still tripping over generic pretties.

Edit: Threw up a MOFW for you Pagad.

edited 6th Apr '12 7:47:42 AM by TheStarshipMaxima

For a somewhat feminine dude with long hair and such, I have a pretty deep voice.

My first MOFW Thank you kindly!

I am Italian, and I don't care in the least about soccer. It's not that I hate it or anything, just, well, I don't find it interesting.

However, I do eat a lot of pasta. That I cannot certainly deny

I am a small female with fluffy hair. I love Maths and Physics and hate writing English essays. I also sing tenor.

I'm Scottish and...er...um...actually, never mind.

You're a black cyclops?

No, but that's about the only way we differ.

"In the absence of light, darkness conquers." Seems like light needs moar demos.

I'm gay, but IRL you couldn't really tell.

Nonsense, I always carry a pocket Hopey.

I'm black and I don't really care much about basketball. I'm more of a geek. (Like everyone else here.)

I'm with Carcio in confirming that the "Italians always eat pasta" stereotype is very true. It's really all we know. Only because our food is better than anyone else's

Despite being a Western Buddhist I'm a Theravadan. Most are some manner of Mahayanan, Zen being the trendy school. I'm also theistic and believe in the rebirth system.

From what I've been told I don't come off as the typical lazy or stuck up New Agey Western Buddhist so yay.

Ditto here.

Also, it's because I'm Christian that I enjoy Science Fiction.

Please. Soul food mops floors with lasagna. *

edited 6th Apr '12 11:41:24 AM by TheStarshipMaxima