The dangers of flattering myths

Comedians, lecturers and everyday people often cite stereotypes of their respective groups for laughs. But comedians particularly understand much of comedy comes from pain, and stereotypes are no exception. This point, however, is lost on many people. Instead of rejecting all stereotypes, many people embrace those that seem to be harmless -- either about themselves or others. The problem is, these people do not understand the true meaning of these ideas. \nAt the risk of catching hell from my fellow black men, I feel I must make this point very clear: not all black men are anatomically gifted, either in regard to their physical abilities or sexual attributes. To think otherwise is to implicitly accept a racist stereotype, albeit a seemingly flattering one. \nThis particular notion derives from the "Mandingo" caricature of decades past. Mandingo is a stupid, muscular, jet-black, sub-human creature, most often portrayed as a field hand, who preys on white women. Mandingo's primary function is physical labor, and he is noted specifically for his sexual promiscuity and prowess. Overwhelmed by the animal nature of Mandingo, the helpless white women either fall victim to their own uncontrollable sexual urges and have sex with Mandingo, or more often, he takes them against their will -- similar to the snatching of Fay Wray in "King Kong" and the explicit premise of D.W. Griffith's racist "classic," "Birth of a Nation." \nNot so flattering anymore, is it?\nStereotypes, of course, are not exclusive to black males or black people at all. \nJews, for example, are often noted for thriftiness, skills in accounting and complete disdain for physical labor or sport. Some people try to pass these sentiments off as compliments of business-savviness and superior career goals while ignoring the implications that Jews are all rich and/or money-hoarding cheats with little physical ability. \nWomen, often considered nurturers with a wide range of emotions, are simultaneously thought to possess less ability for cognitive thought and an increased susceptibility to be overcome by the same emotions that are otherwise admired in a mother. In spite of the unimaginable pain of child-bearing, their physical strength is also mocked. \nAsians, the supposed mathematical geniuses of the world, are widely thought to be smart because they are inherently disciplined. They, too, are perceived to lack the physical attributes of other races, such as black people, and are similarly thought to be less-endowed in their sexual anatomy. \nAll these ideas have a common thread -- brains are mutually exclusive from brawn and sexual reputation, which appears to be directly related to penis myths. \nPropagating stereotypes, even those that appear benign, sustains the divide that separates us from each other. Culturally and physically, we all have our differences, and these differences ought to be recognized. But let us not think what is true of some is true of every individual. \n Some argue, "It's a stereotype for a reason." But that reason, such as the fear of the threatening black man stated above, is not always one based in fact or underlying truth. Lies that have been accepted for centuries continue to flourish if not faced and debunked. \n The key to solving this problem is understanding. Understanding can only be achieved through mutual respect via treating each person as an individual -- not a cog in a mass collective of homogeny. Every person is unique, and it is up to each to create an identity for oneself instead of acquiescing to the preconceived notions of others just to superficially enhance one's own image.\nThe perpetuation of stereotypes is the source of much of the racism in America today. Until we get over the foolishness of stereotyping ourselves and others, America will continue to be a bastion of prejudice and inherent unfairness.