Stereotypes and Unwritten Rules Of Society

We have all heard quotes such as "Don't judge a book by its cover" and "Don't judge me, if you don't know me," yet we still seem to want to form an opinion about people we don't even know....Hmm sounds a bit hypocritical if you ask me, but who am I to judge. Making an assumption is the first symptom of stereotype syndrome, hypothetically speaking. Although our first impression has an impact on our thoughts we need to not let those stereotypes seep into someone’s individuality. My definition of stereotypes is a false remark made by an ignorant person. According to the Cambridge sociology textbook stereotype is defined as "fixed, general, over-simplified image of what an individual or group is like, allowing for few differences between members of the same group, and often stated in an over-simplified or even erroneous way."

There are many stereotypes put together by certain people or groups. China is a cultural and traditional Asian country. One of many stereotypes others say about Chinese people is that they all can do Kung Fu. Although China is one of the main places where martial arts began, this statement is not true. Just because Jackie Chan is a martial artist does not mean other Chinese people know how to do martial arts. Another saying is that Chinese people eat dogs. I personally am on the same boat as the Chinese with this stereotype because I am Haitian. There is a stereotype that Haitians eat cat which is not true as far as I know. People who create stereotypes tend to assume based on what the majority of the people do for example many Asian people work in nail salons. This may be due to their mastery in the skill of doing nails. Other stereotypes are Chinese people have the same or similar last names i.e. Chan, Li, Wang, Chang, etc. Asians are good at math and cannot drive are also rumored.

Norms have some connection towards stereotypes because the semi false information becomes embraced by the culture, so they feel they are not being ridiculed. As a culture internalizes the qualities they are being referred to the characteristics become who they are through socialization. This process does not go for the Chinese because some of the stereotypes were not false they were just based on the majority. These so called "norms" differentiate what would be considered normal and strange. Norms are defined as the expected patterns of rules and social behavior which specify appropriate conduct in different social contexts, either prescribing or forbidding this conduct; enforced by sanctions, either positive (rewards) or negative (punishment). China has their own traditions that they continue to practice, but the world is incorporating a lot of technology, which causes the world to become globalized. I feel like cultures and countries that once had their own identity or traditions are loosing their roots. More people are focusing on the new innovations and not keeping the old things that were used to create these new additions.

As I said before I do not believe there is a norm because they change over time. As for stereotypes they should not be how someone is described. Think about how you want to be portrayed before reciting ignorant rumors.