Stereotypes 101

From the time we enter elementary school, we're indoctrinated with the politics of nice. Share everything, keep your hands to yourself, be respectful of everyone and don't judge a book by its cover. (Unless it's an Ann Coulter book -- you can discount that as trash from the start.) \nTying in closely with the theme of "not judging by first impressions" is the idea of stereotypes. We're told constantly that common observations of other cultures, people and ideas lead to gross misunderstandings, even conflict. Take, for example, the time I picked my friend up from a gay bar:\nMe: Hey, I'm looking for Hanz. He's probably wearing butt-less leather chaps.\nBartender: Haven't seen him. Just so you know, we stopped wearing leather chaps in the '80s. \nMe: Really? Then why do you all have AIDS? I thought that was caused by leather.\nBartender: Why don't you take your fine ass out of here, idiot.\nThat experience brought several important things to my attention. First, I have a compliment-worthy posterior. That does tremendous amounts for my confidence. Second, and more importantly, I learned the value of not giving in to assumptions. It is dangerous to make snap-judgements. Below are some other common stereotypes and generalizations that I've found to be untrue:\n• The French -- Stereotypes include: smelly, large amounts of body hair in the female population, rude, cowardly and quick to surrender. The truth is, French people are quite clean, shave frequently and think Americans are the coolest people on the planet. Unfortunately, they seem to have an unhealthy fascination with Reese's Pieces candy and "Desperate Housewives." I, by the way, have two French roommates. All indications point to my roommates not being desperate like the housewives they adore. Darn.\n• "Desperate Housewives" -- Stereotype: A trashy prime-time soap opera that only involves sex. In reality, this comedic drama involves little sex and a large amount of death. The plots are well-developed and, I'm ashamed to say, intriguing. It also has a diverse cast that includes a token black guy who turns out to be a murderer and a troubled homosexual teenager. The bartender I mentioned before must have been right: This kid never seems to wear leather, despite my constant pleadings to ABC.\n• IU -- Stereotype: The "hottest" big state school with a laughable football team and increasingly unaffordable tuition rates. I've yet to find any indication of this university being "hot." Most buildings are cool to the touch, even on warm days. In some circles, something being "hot" refers to some sort of illegal activity taking place, such as drug trafficking. Perhaps this is the source of IU's "hotness." \nSo let's recap. Stereotypes are dangerous things when used in the wrong settings, especially establishments frequented solely by men. Additionally, French people exceed normal expectations for cleanliness and grooming. I hope you all feel more enlightened.