Disclaimer: a work in process.
We have only been here for a little while, right? So, disclaimer, this is writing from relatively few experiences. In a very specific kind of environment. With people from all over. Except, I can already say that the "cold and distant" thing isn't at all true - at least for my generation. Perhaps it's too soon, but I have a hunch it's not.
Stereotypes have never particularly bothered me - stereotype as Google defines it, at least. If anything, I felt they helped me understand where another individual came from. Using them as context clues, maybe?
After some reflection, my indifference is most likely a result of never experiencing anything seemed too harsh or off the mark, unlike the case for so many others.
Earlier this semester, Taylor streamed the Q Women and Calling conference. In an open discussion, one of the women voiced her opinion that stereotypes strip an individual of their uniqueness & individuality. At the time, I just thought that, well, if the stereotype was true, it was true and that's that. No harm done.
Earlier this summer, I distinctly remember a conversation a few of us had on the porch of Lick-a-Dee Splitz where my nonchalant view of stereotyping was challenged. Rightly so. Even earlier than that night, there were a few situations in which I assumed things about those I was working with, only be proven completely and utterly wrong.
So the past few months seem to be culminating into quiet build-up of coming to break down my stance on stereotyping. The assumptions I make about people are often inaccurate and unjust. They keep me from seeing what is deeper and what is true and from forming friendships that change the way I see the world. Always a good thing, I think, to keep developing the way you see.
Welcome to Lithuania,
ReplyDeleteIndeed, youth is more Westernized in many ways than the parents' generation. However an average young American is still far more extraverted (or acts that way) than an average young Lithuanian I believe (and I have been to the USA numerous times).
My take on Lithuanian society / social norms is here, maybe you will find it useful: http://www.truelithuania.com/topics/history-and-politics-of-lithuania/society
As for the stereotypes, a few of them may be wrong, however most of them are true to some extent. E.g. if in your Group X (whether that group is ethnic, racial, gender, social or otherwise) some 10% people has this trait, and in Group Y 40% have it, it is likely that in Group X there will be a stereotype that "in Group Y they all have this trait". In general this is how our mind works, we categorize all the things (and thus people as well) because we can never learn about every single one of them or meet every single one. However, as every person (or even animal, thing) is different no stereotype or pre-conception will ever be true for every one of them. But if we would have no stereotypes it would be hardly possible for us to systemize our knowledge as nearly every belief about some complex thing (and groups of millions of people are indeed complex) is essentially a stereotype as it will have many exceptions.
Thanks for your thoughts!
DeleteRead your take on Lithuanian society/social norms - definitely gave me more perspective. I'll be passing it on to friends & family back home so they have a better idea of Lithuania.
In response to stereotypes - there is truth within to some extent, and they do work to help us systemize our knowledge, as you said. My stance is that we must be careful about how much power we give stereotypes in the creation of our view or opinion of another individual or group. There is a balance, the challenge is maintaining it.
I hope that makes sense. Again, thanks for taking the time to comment!