Stereotyped: Unpacking Baggages Of Assumptions

There's hardly anyone living on earth that hasn't been stereotyped in one way or the other. It is something among humans whether true or untrue, whether directly or indirectly, every human have been stereotyped by other humans. Even I have made and believed so many stereotypes.

Growing up as kids, we were taught to believe countless stereotypes but I got to understand that I could be one of those who are being stereotyped as I grow older. The first experience I had with a stereotype about myself got me laughing because of how clearly untrue it was.

Stereotypes About My Personality.

I've had different kinds of stereotypes about my personality bug these three, I have gotten from more than one person and even though they don't define who I am, they are stereotypes about myself so they can't be totally ignored. Sharing it here is also a way of asking for other thoughts.

Innocent look: I got this comment from so many people after they spend some time with me. Because before they meet me, they say I do come across to them as someone very rough, gets angry easily. Maybe these are the stereotype instead and I kind of agree with them on this one.

Not friendly: This is also closely related to the first, a few people have seen me as unfriendly from afar until they get close and they correct themselves by themselves because I'm almost always friendly once I get close. This stereotype may have come from my not smiling just anyhow.

Doesn't give: I'm not saying I'm a big giver like my dad and mum but I'm definitely not one of the stingy ones. I help when I can and think of giving but somehow I've gotten reveals that this stereotype was somewhere before they know the me that actually gives and I don't feel surprised.

Stereotypes About My Tribe.

There are many stereotypes about my tribe including positive and negative ones like every other tribe with the most popular against our men that they like to marry many women lol. But the stereotypes that concerns me are these three I'll share, the not so true but already said ones.

Igbo girl: I'm an urhobo by tribe but countless times have I been mistaken for an igbo girl until I make an introduction and for some, I'd even have to prove it somehow. It's really funny because two of the reasons is my look and always active to make money but I feel that's normal for others.

Fluent in speaking the language: Until I met a new friend, a fellow tribe member, he taught I could speak my tribe well. It turns out we're both not fluent in it and I thought he was good at it. A lot of my tribe people tend to speak my tribe to me before they learn that I am not good with it.

Lack fashion sense: The number of times I've gotten positive comments on my fashion sense is overwhelming sometimes, most will say my body fits clothes so perfectly. But then, there is the stereotype that my tribe people do not have fashion sense. Even my dad will ask, like for real?