We all know some common stereotypes: certain groups are associated with specific foods, cultural traits, or abilities. At some point or another, we have all been guilty of using them — that’s right, myself and you reading this article included! Some people argue, and to a degree rightfully so, that though offensive and hurtful, stereotypes often stem from some form of general observation. Here is a comment I saw on a Facebook post during a discussion about stereotypes and profiling related to the Trayvon Martin case. Though the comment is straightforward and could be seen as harsh, the person raises a point about certain community challenges:
Do you know why people assume you grew up fatherless? Or finished school? Etc., etc.? It’s because many in the Black community face those realities. It is a fact, and facts are not racist or profiling, they simply are. Good for those who are changing trends, but don’t be surprised when people assume the sky is blue and take a double take when it changes color briefly.
It can be difficult to argue otherwise. I’ll admit that in my community this did hold some truth — not only regarding the Black community but also the Latino community. We wrote about this topic specifically here on Latinos and fatherhood. And you know what else? I LOVE rice and beans — and nobody could make a better arroz con habichuela dish than my mother!
I was talking with someone on Twitter who was told, “She doesn’t act Puertorican!” I wondered, how exactly is a Puertorican supposed to act?
She’s a smart girl, educated, speaks proper English, and writes poetry. The point is, being smart, speaking properly, being a poet, and doing good things isn’t always seen as the norm in certain communities. So if she doesn’t conform to behavior commonly seen among some teens in the community, people might say “she isn’t being Puertorican.” There seems to be an expectation, unfair as it is, that a Latina teenager should fit a very narrow and often negative mold.
If you are a minority member, such as a Puertorican, and you try to do well, you might end up being called a “sellout” by others in your own community. I lived that experience myself. That’s sometimes the reaction when trying to walk the right path in areas with significant social and economic challenges. This sentiment often comes from within the community, while outsiders might express surprise at someone defying their expectations. It’s unfortunate, but as I mentioned, I experienced this often. Does this offend you? Does it upset you? Well, what are you doing to change it? How are you helping the community?
In some cases, data driven awareness can be necessary and even life saving. For example, if statistics show that Latinos are more likely to have heart issues after age 30, wouldn’t you want your doctor to take that into account and check your heart accordingly? If you are Latino and over 30, it makes sense for your doctor to be extra vigilant based on those facts and statistics.
It’s a shame that stereotypes tend to classify entire groups with expected behaviors when not everyone fits a particular mold. Yet we must admit most stereotypes are based on some element of perceived reality, and that we are all guilty of stereotyping to some degree. The best we can do is recognize and overcome these preconceived notions and work to improve ourselves and our communities. If we keep at it, perhaps society can eventually move past stereotypes altogether. Maybe someday a Puertorican excelling in school won’t come as a surprise. Let’s create positive reputations for ourselves!
But seriously, how is a Puertorican supposed to act?
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