Stereotypes: It's all about labels

Let's face it: stereotypes hurt.

Whether it is a racial slur or some sort of standards set about how a certain race, gender, religion, or sexual preference is supposed to act, stereotypes can be a dangerous thing.

Students were given a questionnaire and were asked to fill it out honestly. The questionnaire was in no way scientific polling. It was used solely for this story. The questionnaire included questions about how students felt about stereotypes and if they associated certain stereotypes with themselves or others.

"I feel that they're a part of life, and can be inaccurate or misleading," Jamil Naqui said, "but may, in some instances, be beneficial."

Some students on campus are faced with stereotypes and labels. These stereotypes and labels are placed on them by society.

"Yes. Being black. I am often stereotyped when I walk through a store for stealing," Shakiya Sanders said.

"I think they really hinder people on getting to know each other," Lindsay Forester said. "If you stereotype someone and don't take the time to get to know them, you could miss out on a good friendship."

"Stereotypes are dangerous," Chris VanderStouwe said. "They classify people for certain traits, without looking at the whole. It's a way for people to make identifications or to try to understand who a person is or appears to be.

VanderStouwe believes that stereotypes are more commonly used for first impressions and acquaintances as opposed to deep friendships. "But they're all too common in our society regardless," he said.

A majority of the students questioned said that stereotypes are both a good and bad thing to have.

"It all depends on the stereotype. If it portrays the race in a good light, then yes, if it portrays them in a bad light, then no," D. Woods said.

Jimel Olarte said, "They (stereotypes) are a bad thing."

Stereotypes are not just about race. There are stereotypes for most things. Sexual preference, religion and gender have certain standards and norms that are placed upon them.

"Of course, I am gay," an Chaffey student who wished anonimity said about a certain stereotype placed upon himself. "All people will see of me is that fact. They tend not to realize that there is so much more to me than that. Yes, I am attracted to other men, but that is not what defines me; that is not who I am in its entirety or what I am all about."

Religious stereotypes exist and people expect members of a certain religion to act a certain way. A Mormon student said, "Being a good Mormon girl, as soon as people find out I am Mormon, they think I am this little good girl who doesn't do or think anything bad, when truth is I am not a good girl."

Stereotypes that go against how a person acts and thinks can be damaging and hurtful.

"The only one that I tend to worry about is a religious difference, and that is simply because of my preference in that," VanderStouwe continued. "There is a lot rooted in one's religion. I strongly believe that. And I try with all that I am to not encroach on those who are set into a religion and have certain beliefs, other than to question them, or encourage discussion in the differences between my religion and theirs.

VanderStouwe sees no problem with anyone for fitting any specific group. "If you are Mexican, you are Mexican. I'm white, and there's no difference but the label. It's all about labels. If you're gay, you like boys. If you're not, you like girls. Simple as that," he said.

When asked whether they think that stereotyping will stop, all of the students questioned had the same answer. No.

Woods said, "No, because that is just a way people identify other races or even themselves."

Forester said, "No. Not until people learn to accept others and not follow what society says then there will always be stereotyping that is used both positively and negatively."

Stereotyping is a normal part of life. It is both harmful and helpful.

"I try hard not to judge people on their religion, race, or whatever. If someone is a good person and genuine, I don't care what color they are or what faith/gender they belong to," an unidentified male student said.