#Represent: Stereotypical Assumptions About You Don’t Actually Define You

By Zhong Chen Tan and Bailey McCafferty

You are so much more than the simplistic labels others give you. 

Take a look at this image. Which of them best represent who you are? Were there any items that you were taught to avoid because of stereotypes, like certain things being “girly” or “only for boys”?

So many harmful stereotypes still pervade our world, leading to oversimplifications and judgments on the basis of gender, race, sexuality, and other identities. These stereotypes actively deny the complexity of human existence - the unique things that make up each individual’s whole self, and which go beyond just social identities. 

That applies to “positive” stereotypes, too. Statements like “you’re a woman, part of the gentler sex” may sound like compliments, but they indicate a reduction of all of your personality traits to just one facet of your identity. More dangerously, such positive stereotypes may be the basis for prejudice, since it can imply that not being gentle makes one less of a woman, or that women do not belong in less “gentle” professions. 

Challenging stereotypes will be key to representing your true self and enabling others to fully and confidently represent who they are, too. Call out stereotypical beliefs and portrayals of marginalized social groups when you see them. Share counter-narratives that display the richness of the human experience. Let your unique voice be heard. 

Some men like flowers. Some women like trucks. Boys and girls are equally capable of setting the table, caring for younger siblings, and taking out the trash. Parental instincts aren't confined to cis and straight people; some LGBTQ+ individuals are very keen to be parents. Bottom line: you are not defined by the stereotypes created by others.

#Represent all that you are and encourage others to do the same.