Labeling, Is stereotyping fair? Options

[Paradox of Life]

Calling someone a goth or punk or prep or goody-two-shoes, etc. Is it really fair to judge people? Or is it just an organized classification of people that could fall in those catagories? Is it fair to say that all are the same? Is it being racist in any way? Please post your opinions.

[karrar]

Oviously it's not fair. However this problem may never be solved. As long as this big ball mostly covered by water is revolving around the sun, people will be stereotipicaly labeling people . It's something we all just have to live with .

[Outloved]

Agree. ^^

Labeling is not fair. And judging is never right.

[Chii]

it's never right to judge but when you look at someone you really can't help it. especially if you were raised really religiously, you see people dressed in all black with facial piercings and you assume they worship the devil

[Looow]

^
I agree. Sometimes you can't help it. Its certainly not fair though. Blehh

[ryfitaDF]

i can't say i'm a fan of it, but i can understand where it comes from and i know that i'm guilty of it somtimes. you have to concider, though, we've been tought that "all A's make the same sound" and "no dogs can talk" and etc., so it's easy to think it's right that "all goths cut" and "all black people listen to rap". i'm not saying that does any justice to biased people, i'm just giving some insight to it's origin. borders shouldn't apply to people. you're not christian, you're not a prep, you're not even american. you're a human. that's the way i see it.

[sammi rules you]

um, it's not being racist cause it has nothing to do with race..

i don't like labeling, even though i do it without thinking, as does every single person on the face of the earth.

[racoons > you]

^^

everyone labels, even if its subconcious... isnt it somthing like withing 30 seconds of meeting someone, we make 150 snap judgements about them?
or something similar

of course its not fair tho...

[OriskybusinessO]

i think labeling is ok in this case: some people that bitch about labeling (im not saying you are) that DO dress in all black, have blue hair and multiple facial pericings deserve it. HELLO!! If you wear things like that and look like an idiot, you deserve to be labeled an idiot.

But its natural, and we mainly bring it on ourselves. All of us that shop at AF and Hollister and AE, we are preps.

I cant think right now...

[racoons > you]

and here i was thinking you weren't meant to judge a book by its cover....


they might be great peopl underneath the clothes...
lol that sounded dirty, but you know what i mean

[sammi rules you]

i think labeling is ok in this case: some people that bitch about labeling (im not saying you are) that DO dress in all black, have blue hair and multiple facial pericings deserve it. HELLO!! If you wear things like that and look like an idiot, you deserve to be labeled an idiot.

But its natural, and we mainly bring it on ourselves. All of us that shop at AF and Hollister and AE, we are preps.

I cant think right now...

um, they're not idiots. that's just how they are.
you're pretty ignorant.

[gigiopolis]

i think labeling is ok in this case: some people that bitch about labeling (im not saying you are) that DO dress in all black, have blue hair and multiple facial pericings deserve it. HELLO!! If you wear things like that and look like an idiot, you deserve to be labeled an idiot.

But its natural, and we mainly bring it on ourselves. All of us that shop at AF and Hollister and AE, we are preps.

I cant think right now...

What? No one "deserves" to be labeled an idiot.

Except for you, incidentally.

[*stephinika*]

Oviously it's not fair. However this problem may never be solved. As long as this big ball mostly covered by water is revolving around the sun, people will be  stereotipicaly labeling people . It's something we all just have to live with .

agreed. as wrong as it is, people will always. i hate it but i know i do but i just keep it within my head. but i try not to. but everyone [sadly] does it.

[lakerfever2476]

You can't help but label. But it's annoying !! I hate being thought of as some smart, good girl , 100 % nerd kind of person. Some of my closest friends would beg to differ. :\

[yukichan]

i think its not fair...i hate being classified into a group..it gets kinda annoying..

[blackbow]

being labeled often works 2 ways....

1) Oh, hes just a dumb football player...

2) Oh, hes a football player and makes millions of dollars.



1) Hes a nerd, hes super smart but thats it... dont talk to him.
2) Hes a nerd hes super smart, he helps me with homework.

[OriskybusinessO]

um, they're not idiots. that's just how they are.
you're pretty ignorant.

they are idiots because they arent going anywere in there lives, they are never going to get a job looking like that (ok, maybe mc donalds...)

[iheartsimba]

I think labeling and steriotyping are two completely different things...

labeling is catagorizing people. By what they look like, how they dress, who they hang out with. It sucks to be put in a group and yeah that is wrong...like preps, jocks, nerds, dorks, punks, goths

I think steriotyping...is more of insulting a lable. like "preps are snobs" "goths are depressed" ect...I would take steriotyping more offensively but they are both mean.

[ghjgfkgfk]

they are idiots because they arent going anywere in there lives, they are never going to get a job looking like that (ok, maybe mc donalds...)

i dont even know you.
but i already don't like you or your opinions.

[espionage]

being labeled often works 2 ways....

1) Oh, hes just a dumb football player...

2) Oh, hes a football player and makes millions of dollars.



1) Hes a nerd, hes super smart but thats it... dont talk to him.
2) Hes a nerd hes super smart, he helps me with homework.

That's a very good point. But even if we use "nerd" in a good way, it'll always be misinterpreted. Why can't we just go "He's a guy/girl, he's super smart, he helps me with homework"?

Then again, we have the super super positive labels, like "friend" and whatever.

[OriskybusinessO]

i dont even know you.
but i already don't like you or your opinions.

and why not?

[Teesa]

Oviously it's not fair. However this problem may never be solved. As long as this big ball mostly covered by water is revolving around the sun, people will be  stereotipicaly labeling people . It's something we all just have to live with .

exactly. we all do it no matter what. and we're going to keep doing it for the rest of our lives because it just comes natural to us, even though its wrong.

[heyyfrankie]

of course labeling/stereotyping isn't right/fair. it is usually not true and judging isn't right...as some up there already said...

[sammi rules you]

and why not?

probably because you're the reason people complain about labeling.
there's many jobs for people who look a certain way.
that's the problem, people think of people differently just because of the way they look..if they do have piercings and wear black and such, that does NOT mean they're bad people. they could be the cleanest, most straight edge virgins in the world but people think they're up to no good just because of how they look and that's the problem. and of course, if you look at my signature, (that is, if you can see it, the server is down..only..for..me..) you can see perfectly that i don't really choose to look "that" way, so it's not only these kinds of people that think this way.

[OriskybusinessO]

probably because you're the reason people complain about labeling.
there's many jobs for people who look a certain way.
that's the problem, people think of people differently just because of the way they look..if they do have piercings and wear black and such, that does NOT mean they're bad people. they could be the cleanest, most straight edge virgins in the world but people think they're up to no good just because of how they look and that's the problem. and of course, if you look at my signature, (that is, if you can see it, the server is down..only..for..me..) you can see perfectly that i don't really choose to look "that" way, so it's not only these kinds of people that think this way.

...they could be the cleanest, most straight edge virgins in the world...

yes, but what are the chances that they are? its not realistic. the truth is that in the real world people tha tlook like that do drugs, sleep around, etc. etc. But you can also be a preppy rich kid and get drugged up and go around banging chicks all day.

...people think they're up to no good just because of how they look...

well maybe they should stop dressing like fools, get themselves a suit or something and get a real job.

there's many jobs for people who look a certain way.

yes, there are, and then again where would we be without them? Who would work at all of the mcdonalds in the world? And all of thoese other minimum wage stores for the rest of their lives?
And please dont tell me 'well maybe they want to live that way, and they are happy without having money' well, the truth is they arent, they arent happy struggling to live, wondering if they'll have enough food stamps left. No one is happy like that.

[the_pluto_volta]

umm . . . DUH ! stereotyping sucks ass

why should anyone care what someone's taste in style is ?
they shouldn't


That's y soo many of my friends are . . . . different
lots of people dont like me at my school cuz of the way i wear my hair

they reaaalllly piss me off
love forever

~{Kizatt}~

[sammi rules you]

yes, but what are the chances that they are? its not realistic. the truth is that in the real world people tha tlook like that do drugs, sleep around, etc. etc. But you can also be a preppy rich kid and get drugged up and go around banging chicks all day.

yea, actually it's more the "preppy" kids that do drugs and sleep around and such. i'm friends with a lot of the people you're talking about (as i am "preppy" people as well) and none of them act like that.

well maybe they should stop dressing like fools, get themselves a suit or something and get a real job.

they're not dressing like fools. and i bet they can make more money than you can, in a band perhaps? or they can work at hot topic? or ANYWHERE THAT YOU CAN WORK?

yes, there are, and then again where would we be without them? Who would work at all of the mcdonalds in the world? And all of thoese other minimum wage stores for the rest of their lives?
And please dont tell me 'well maybe they want to live that way, and they are happy without having money' well, the truth is they arent, they arent happy struggling to live, wondering if they'll have enough food stamps left. No one is happy like that.

i worked at mcdonald's thank you very much.
my friend, tony, dresses "like that" and he has an internship at a major office building..he wears suits to work and stuff, but when he's off he'll be himself.

you're really discriminatory, and you're pissing me off. usually the people who sleep around and stuff end up on food stamps cause they don't have enough money to pay for their kid.

[karrar]

^ you go girl

[OriskybusinessO]

usually the people who sleep around and stuff end up on food stamps cause they don't have enough money to pay for their kid.

that is true. but it is usually the people that dress like freaks, or poor, or hicks, or if they ARE poor, or a hick, or a freak, that this happens to. The people that dress nice, have well groomed hair are the ones that succed in life.

[lAzN YiN YanGl]

that is true. but it is usually the people that dress like freaks, or poor, or hicks, or if they ARE poor, or a hick, or a freak, that this happens to. The people that dress nice, have well groomed hair are the ones that succed in life.

You just keep adding to the labeling. Yes, you are right that the well groomed people succeed in life, but other people who don't fit your image succeed as well. Succeeding isn't being a movie star, or being the richest or hottest person alive. It varies with each person so I could have a million piercings and still have succeeded. Just because people are poor and dress badly doesn't mean anything. If they are determined to do it, then they will achieve succees you ignorant bastard.

[*Programmer*]

gotta love stereotyping....it's america's past time...and it still happens today...

[Kill_Drake]

labeling is a natural process but it's not something that i personally consier to be 'right'. labelling has led to many problems in the past, especially involving race or music.

in america, when slavery was still around (and for long after), black people were labelled inferior to white people. as were most/all "minorities" [ah, another label!]. this was/is not right to do...and despite the enlightened thought that supposedly swept through our country, it's evident that racial labelling is still around. it is wrong, and most intelligent people know that it's wrong.

music was also something that gained labels in our history. rock n' roll used to be the devils music, if my grandparents' memories are correct. now, we've grown out of that label as well as a society.

think of all the labels that still exist. all the things that are stereyotyped and haranged for television's purposes. it's insane, and stupid, and it's always been my opinion that labeling and stereyotyping should be stoped...

...even though it's a natural process.
we will evolve, our minds will grow, i hope it's in this lifetime (or i'm liable to go completely bonkers)

[OriskybusinessO]

You just keep adding to the labeling. Yes, you are right that the well groomed people succeed in life, but other people who don't fit your image succeed as well. Succeeding isn't being a movie star, or being the richest or hottest person alive. It varies with each person so I could have a million piercings and still have succeeded. Just because people are poor and dress badly doesn't mean anything. If they are determined to do it, then they will achieve succees you ignorant bastard.

Succed in doing what? If you mean a minum wage job is enough for them and they are happy with themselves living in some cheap ass trailer or apt. with 12 other slackers, I wouldnt call that succeding. My dad owns his own business and we always have these slackers we have to hire. That have tattos, peircings and cant get a better job because they didnt go to college.

[sammehmyst]

Succed in doing what? If you mean a minum wage job is enough for them and they are happy with themselves living in some cheap ass trailer or apt. with 12 other slackers, I wouldnt call that succeding. My dad owns his own business and we always have these slackers we have to hire. That have tattos, peircings and cant get a better job because they didnt go to college.

ok. i've read all your posts and you get off topic, unintentionally, but you don't notice it.

you aren't even debating about the topic. all you are doing is promoting what you think is right. you're saying that the way you dress and stuff is better than other types of people.

get on topic, kiddo!

[Paradox of Life]

i think labeling is ok in this case: some people that bitch about labeling (im not saying you are) that DO dress in all black, have blue hair and multiple facial pericings deserve it. HELLO!! If you wear things like that and look like an idiot, you deserve to be labeled an idiot.

But its natural, and we mainly bring it on ourselves. All of us that shop at AF and Hollister and AE, we are preps.

I cant think right now...

... What the hell? People who dress in all black, have blue hair or multiple facial piercings aren't idiots o_o; You can't call someone an idiot because of what they look like. That's really unfair and that was the whole topic of debate. Judging someone by how they dress, etc is unfair. I guess it's okay to label as a reflex and as just a quick assumption. But I don't think it's fair to stereotype as all goths smoke and cut and all preps are stupid and dimwitted blondes.

...people think they're up to no good just because of how they look...

well maybe they should stop dressing like fools, get themselves a suit or something and get a real job.

there's many jobs for people who look a certain way.

yes, there are, and then again where would we be without them? Who would work at all of the mcdonalds in the world? And all of thoese other minimum wage stores for the rest of their lives?
And please dont tell me 'well maybe they want to live that way, and they are happy without having money' well, the truth is they arent, they arent happy struggling to live, wondering if they'll have enough food stamps left. No one is happy like that.

I have not seen a single person dressing in all black, etc working for a McDonalds or cleaning the toilets or doing any uneducated minimum wage job. I have however seen people like that getting rich and leading extremely successful lives like Slayer, Good Charlotte, Metallica, Simple Plan, Green Day. It's complicated and it takes a lot of hard work traveling and performing all around the world. And it takes intelligence to be able to master an instrument and they do have musical talent. I dress in all black and would fall into your category of "idiot" and I won my school spelling bee and I'm the 11th best speller in the 35,000 kids of the district. I play violin and piano and I've gotten many art awards.
And some people just like the style.
Alright, that just sums up everything I've wanted to say for the last 30 posts.

[innovation]

i think that in a way, most teens actually want to be stereotyped and labeled. why else would so many people embrace goth/punk/emo/prep/whatever culture so fully? they want to develop a distinct personality while feeling as if they belong to a community.

[Spirited Away]

Succed in doing what? If you mean a minum wage job is enough for them and they are happy with themselves living in some cheap ass trailer or apt. with 12 other slackers, I wouldnt call that succeding.

Maybe people who live in cheap ass places succeeded in knowing love for each other and raising a family that appreciates the little things that the rest of the world take for granted.

Success is trivial because like beauty, it is in the eye of the beholder. I could careless about a millionaire if he/she doesn't know the first thing about community and respect. I'd say that they are successful in society, but not successful in being human.

I used to live in a barn. That how poor my family was, but we weren't slackers. Never that. I hate when people assume that all poor people put themselves into that position. Have you ever thought that maybe they were born into poverty and is struggling to get out of it? Some are more fortunate in their endeavor, but the opportunity may have never presented itself to others. If you call that slacking and I'll call you naive.

My dad owns his own business and we always have these slackers we have to hire. That have tattos, peircings and cant get a better job because they didnt go to college.

Do you work for your Dad? It's your Dad's fault that he doesn't know how to hire competent help. What does that say about your Dad?

[lAzN YiN YanGl]

Succed in doing what? If you mean a minum wage job is enough for them and they are happy with themselves living in some cheap ass trailer or apt. with 12 other slackers, I wouldnt call that succeding. My dad owns his own business and we always have these slackers we have to hire. That have tattos, peircings and cant get a better job because they didnt go to college.

Did you even read my post? Let me bold it for you

Succeeding isn't being a movie star, or being the richest or hottest person alive. It varies with each person so I could have a million piercings and still have succeeded.

And for what AkaRyux said

I have however seen people like that getting rich and leading extremely successful lives like Slayer, Good Charlotte, Metallica, Simple Plan, Green Day.

They have tattoos, and all those things that you said cause people to be poor. Are they not "successful" in your eyes?

[sammi rules you]

OriskybusinessO, may i point out that hot topic, where "those people" shop at, is owned by the same people as abercrombie. that said, hot topic is quite expensive, as is abercrombie (apparently these people want LOTS of money). if these people are such poor slackers, how do they afford such expensive clothes?

thought i might point that out.

[OriskybusinessO]

ok. i've read all your posts and you get off topic, unintentionally, but you don't notice it.

you aren't even debating about the topic. all you are doing is promoting what you think is right. you're saying that the way you dress and stuff is better than other types of people.

get on topic, kiddo!

yea, i know... i should probably stop talking about it but if i do they'll think ive run out of things to say, and they are right, but i havent... I would like to stop 'fighting', its not really debating anymore, but like i said before...


... What the hell? People who dress in all black, have blue hair or multiple facial piercings aren't idiots o_o; You can't call someone an idiot because of what they look like. That's really unfair and that was the whole topic of debate. Judging someone by how they dress, etc is unfair. I guess it's okay to label as a reflex and as just a quick assumption. But I don't think it's fair to stereotype as all goths smoke and cut and all preps are stupid and dimwitted blondes.

I know that i wouldnt want to be friends with someone who dresses all black hase peicings etc etc. To me they look stupid. Its not easy to look at. And judging someone by what they look like, everyone does it, and the people that dress in all black dont think that people do, they are the ones that say "it doesnt matter what you look like, people shouldnt judge you like that" WELL WAKE UP BECAUSE THEY DO. When you are going into a job interview looking like that they ARENT going to hire you. But mc donalds will.


I have not seen a single person dressing in all black, etc working for a McDonalds or cleaning the toilets or doing any uneducated minimum wage job. I have however seen people like that getting rich and leading extremely successful lives like Slayer, Good Charlotte, Metallica, Simple Plan, Green Day. It's complicated and it takes a lot of hard work traveling and performing all around the world. And it takes intelligence to be able to master an instrument and they do have musical talent. I dress in all black and would fall into your category of "idiot" and I won my school spelling bee and I'm the 11th best speller in the 35,000 kids of the district. I play violin and piano and I've gotten many art awards.
And some people just like the style.
Alright, that just sums up everything I've wanted to say for the last 30 posts.

Thats because they wear uniforms... and i have seen people like that doing tohese jobs. Theres another point, everyone says thoese people can start bands and get rich, It IS hard to do that, to become famous and keep it going. But that is the only thing you people have said so far. I dont see any of thoese people becoming lawyers, doctors etc. And i didnt mean idiot, grade-wise, i meant it is a bad move for them to dress themselves that way and lead their lives that way.


i think that in a way, most teens actually want to be stereotyped and labeled. why else would so many people embrace goth/punk/emo/prep/whatever culture so fully? they want to develop a distinct personality while feeling as if they belong to a community.

This is so true.


Maybe people who live in cheap ass places succeeded in knowing love for each other and raising a family that appreciates the little things that the rest of the world take for granted.
Success is trivial because like beauty, it is in the eye of the beholder. I could careless about a millionaire if he/she doesn't know the first thing about community and respect. I'd say that they are successful in society, but not successful in being human.
I used to live in a barn. That how poor my family was, but we weren't slackers. Never that. I hate when people assume that all poor people put themselves into that position. Have you ever thought that maybe they were born into poverty and is struggling to get out of it? Some are more fortunate in their endeavor, but the opportunity may have never presented itself to others. If you call that slacking and I'll call you naive.

Yes, but if they are struggling, dont you think they would like to get out of struggling? the thing is in this country, majority rules. And if everyone else takes thoese things for granted, its not worth it doing so.
I am sorry you had to live in a barn, maybe they should've gotten a job, theres so many options, go back to school, go to college, etc.

Do you work for your Dad? It's your Dad's fault that he doesn't know how to hire competent help. What does that say about your Dad?

No, i dont work for my dad, his business is out of state. Its not my dads fault that only thoese people apply.

Did you even read my post? Let me bold it for you

Succeeding isn't being a movie star, or being the richest or hottest person alive. It varies with each person so I could have a million piercings and still have succeeded.

I didnt say you had to become a movie star etc. just get a job. And then you say become a rock star, "...richest or hottest person..."


OriskybusinessO, may i point out that hot topic, where "those people" shop at, is owned by the same people as abercrombie. that said, hot topic is quite expensive, as is abercrombie (apparently these people want LOTS of money). if these people are such poor slackers, how do they afford such expensive clothes?

thought i might point that out.


I didnt say they had to start shopping at abercrombie. Hot topic isnt that expensive anyway... and i didnt say they all shop at hot topic, it was an example. That store is targeted toward high school students Who mainly have there mommis and daddies buy their clothes. Im mainly talking about adults 20, etc.



yea, i know... i should probably stop talking about it butif i do they'll think ive run out of things to say, and they are right, but i havent... I would like to stop 'fighting', its not really debating anymore, but like i said before...

[sammi rules you]

again, i worked at mcdonald's. are you gonna stereotype me as an idiot because i couldn't get a job elsewhere cause i was 14?

and hot topic is freaking expensive, they have pants for like 40 bucks.

[*jooleeah*]

i think labeling is ok in this case: some people that bitch about labeling (im not saying you are) that DO dress in all black, have blue hair and multiple facial pericings deserve it. HELLO!! If you wear things like that and look like an idiot, you deserve to be labeled an idiot.

Wow. You piss me off.
Just because they dress as they want to doesn't mean they're idiots. I think you owe yourself a reality check.

yes, there are, and then again where would we be without them? Who would work at all of the mcdonalds in the world? And all of thoese other minimum wage stores for the rest of their lives?
And please dont tell me 'well maybe they want to live that way, and they are happy without having money' well, the truth is they arent, they arent happy struggling to live, wondering if they'll have enough food stamps left. No one is happy like that.

What's wrong with minium wage? Most people can live off like that. And you know what? I'm gonna tell you something even though you said you didn't want anyone to tell you this. MAYBE THEY ARE HAPPY LIVING THAT WAY. Just because you don't have much money, doesn't mean you aren't happy. Wouldn't you actually admire people who aren't so focused on money? Wouldn't you rather live happy then being so focused on how rich you are? Wouldn't you rather have a loving family then having a lot of money and having no one to share it with?

[haffkrazy3]

labeling will never be fair by any means. but i guess its just a habit that pretty much everyone has to label others. i know i do it a lot too but im not proud of it.

[OriskybusinessO]

again, i worked at mcdonald's. are you gonna stereotype me as an idiot because i couldn't get a job elsewhere cause i was 14?

and hot topic is freaking expensive, they have pants for like 40 bucks.

I quote myself: "Im mainly talking about adults 20, etc."

[innovation]

sure, stereotyping may not be "fair" in some situations; however, it is inevitable. you can't stop someone from categorizing people in his or her head. when this stereotyping turns into discrimination in the form of words or actions, however.. that's when it becomes unacceptable.

[Spirited Away]

Yes, but if they are struggling, dont you think they would like to get out of struggling? the thing is in this country, majority rules. And if everyone else takes thoese things for granted, its not worth it doing so.
I am sorry you had to live in a barn, maybe they should've gotten a job, theres so many options, go back to school, go to college, etc.

No, i dont work for my dad, his business is out of state. Its not my dads fault that only thoese people apply.

... NAIVE. You think that if I want to stop being poor I can go out to the world and find a job, and poof, I get one???? If that is reality, then in reality poverty simply does not exist.

Get it?

As I have said before, there are those who are lucky when they try and those who are not so lucky. We may try our best to do things we want in life but that doesn't mean we'll succeed at it.

If I still live in a barn do you think I could afford internet access and talk to you right now? Uh, no. I HAVE ALREADY explained that there are those who are lucky, like my family, and those who are not lucky and must still be in poverty.

You know what I think? I think you're too sheltered from what's out there in the world. It's not your fault though, but it is your fault that you can't find it in you to be compassionate and sympathize with fellow human beings. NO ONE wants to be poor but circumstances may force a person to be poor.

If those people who works for your Dad are so lazy, they wouldn't bother to work for you Dad. Why not just steal from your Dad instead of working? IF your Dad cannot hire competent workers then IT IS HIS FAULT. Who says your Dad MUST hire everyone who applies? Do they stick a gun to his head and force him? No. Then it's your Dad's fault that he can't judge a person. Period.

[nevernothere]

Stereotyping can be funny at times.. just gotta know when to knock it off.

[*Kathleen*]

...they could be the cleanest, most straight edge virgins in the world...

yes, but what are the chances that they are? its not realistic. the truth is that in the real world people tha tlook like that do drugs, sleep around, etc. etc. But you can also be a preppy rich kid and get drugged up and go around banging chicks all day.

I'm usually labeled as a "goth," or "punk," and this is actually realistic. My best friend's a definite goth who is a faithful Christian. I moderate a Slipknot forum and there's plenty of kids there that are awesome and straight edge and extremely religious. I know more at my school, too. So...I think it's safe to say that people are learning, opening their eyes to the world. And, as I dress like that, I know when to act courteous and recognize my place. I mean, for school affairs and other things, I know to dress formally and whatnot. I think I'm on a path to leading a successful life. I mean, I get straight A's and am really active in school. I like defying stereotypes myself. Because although I don't favor them, I agree that they do exist and can't really be eliminated because of human nature. So yeah, to answer the question at hand, I agree with many others that it's not fair, although I can't deny its existence.

[racoons > you]

i have a friend. she is probably the stereo ttypical goh... with like kathleen sadid all teh slipknot and the like

and she is the sweetes person you can ever meet. and shes also teh mos intelligent person i have ever come across in my life... i <3 smoph


stereotyping sucks people.

[Nashvixen]

we've been tought that "all A's make the same sound" and "no dogs can talk" and etc., so it's easy to think it's right that "all goths cut" and "all black people listen to rap".

Well, first of all, not all A's make the same sound. There are variations to the emphasis on all vowels. Second, all goths don't cut, nor do all black people listen to rap.
No, stereotyping is NOT "racist". It's discrimination. Stereotyping and racism fall into the same category.

i think labeling is ok in this case: some people that bitch about labeling (im not saying you are) that DO dress in all black, have blue hair and multiple facial pericings deserve it. HELLO!! If you wear things like that and look like an idiot, you deserve to be labeled an idiot.

Perhaps it's not idiotic to dress in black (since many of the people you know probably wear black on occasions). In my opinion, it's idiotic of 0riskybusiness0 to state this. Follow my reasoning here... If there was a perfectly wonderful individual who's favorite color was black, and they looked acceptable to your taste, nonetheless, you'd be okay. But just because so many people discriminate against "goths" and you may feel threatened in some way by them, you choose to call them unfair names. Maybe if people like you discontinued the labeling, you would find that your so-called "goth" only wants to be accepted, but is actually rebelling against the fact that they aren't accepted.
Now don't get me wrong, I have met a few goths who judge others automatically, thinking they're judging them. So, no offense.
probably because you're the reason people complain about labeling.
there's many jobs for people who look a certain way.

that's the problem, people think of people differently just because of the way they look..if they do have piercings and wear black and such, that does NOT mean they're bad people. they could be the cleanest, most straight edge virgins in the world but people think they're up to no good just because of how they look and that's the problem. and of course, if you look at my signature, (that is, if you can see it, the server is down..only..for..me..) you can see perfectly that i don't really choose to look "that" way, so it's not only these kinds of people that think this way.

I'd have to agree here. Completely. My dad is alot like this guy this person. Hate it.

QUOTE
And please dont tell me 'well maybe they want to live that way, and they are happy without having money' well, the truth is they arent, they arent happy struggling to live, wondering if they'll have enough food stamps left. No one is happy like that.
---
What's wrong with minium wage? Most people can live off like that. And you know what? I'm gonna tell you something even though you said you didn't want anyone to tell you this. MAYBE THEY ARE HAPPY LIVING THAT WAY. Just because you don't have much money, doesn't mean you aren't happy. Wouldn't you actually admire people who aren't so focused on money? Wouldn't you rather live happy then being so focused on how rich you are? Wouldn't you rather have a loving family then having a lot of money and having no one to share it with?

I'd have to agree with this as well. Some people are not materialistic or uncomfortable without superficial things. Minimum wage (if you enjoy the finer, free things about daily life) will be supportive.

I would like to stop 'fighting', its not really debating anymore

Hun... this is still debating. It feels like fighting because you're losing. I've been there. Don't get aggressive, you just didn't do all your home work here.

Yes, but if they are struggling, dont you think they would like to get out of struggling? the thing is in this country, majority rules. And if everyone else takes thoese things for granted, its not worth it doing so.
I am sorry you had to live in a barn, maybe they should've gotten a job, theres so many options, go back to school, go to college, etc.

People who live in barns probably don't have transportation to work, school, or much, much less, college. School buses, yes, but how could anyone go farther than that? Kids are being pushed by peer pressure to buy all kinds of things today to "fit in" and poor people can't. They learn to live with this and opinions like these.
Plus, "goths" probably don't live in barns.

[gigiopolis]

Honestly, what kind of debate is this? Obviously labelling and sterotyping isn't fair, what kind of argument are we supposed to have?

[Nashvixen]

Honestly, what kind of debate is this? Obviously labelling and sterotyping isn't fair, what kind of argument are we supposed to have?

It's not fair... and that's the point of this debate. (Some people think it's okay to judge other people if they're all similar, then label them.) Anywhere you have debates, this will probably be one of them.

"Go Ahead Then! Categorize me like a type of rice-a-roni! I'll still bethe San Fransico treat!"

[ShEraBaRoO]

its part of our human natures, we will always judge someone no matter how much we try to stop ourselves.

[blondiebombshell]

like everyone has already said, its always gonna be around. but you as a person can do the right thing and try and cut down on it. i know i do it alot, and i hate it, sometimes not even realizing it, but i'm alot more accepting to people now because i've realized labeling means shit, there really is no point in it. i've gotten labeled alot , and i still do. so i've tried to cut back. and even the weirdest gothest people can be extremely smart. and we all have problems. its just other stupid people that feel like they have to butt into other peoples business all the time and thats how labeling gets started

[*jooleeah*]

OriskybusinessO, did you read my reply to you?

[sammi rules you]

i think he she stopped posting in here. maybe he she realizes he's she's being idiotic, and not the people he's she's stereotyping.

whoooops.

[OriskybusinessO]

I am a she...

[Nashvixen]

I am a she...

Ah. My fault. I apologize really. Guess the screen name reminded me of Tom Cruise.

[inthemudhole]

Of course it is not fair.
No one ever said it was.

If someone comes up to you and tells you you're in....oh, say....the goth group, that's not fair to you because you didn't have a say in it.

and hot topic is freaking expensive, they have pants for like 40 bucks.

And the pants at so-called "prep" stores are cheaper?
I think not.
Walk into Abercrombie and Fitch...are many pairs of their pants under 40 bucks?
No.

(By the way, I didn't read any of the posts prior to that, so if I'm completely in the wrong with my above statement...uhh, sorry.)

[Nashvixen]

Of course it is not fair.
No one ever said it was.

If someone comes up to you and tells you you're in....oh, say....the goth group, that's not fair to you because you didn't have a say in it.
And the pants at so-called "prep" stores are cheaper?
I think not.
Walk into Abercrombie and Fitch...are many pairs of their pants under 40 bucks?
No.

(By the way, I didn't read any of the posts prior to that, so if I'm completely in the wrong with my above statement...uhh, sorry.)

Well, maybe you weren't necessarily "wrong", but the point was that Hot Topic pants (and other things) are rather expensive per item, and that clothing price wasn't much of an argument. No one said "prep" pants were cheap. If anything, it was implied that they were far from that.

[sammi rules you]

i was implying that people who shop at hot topic are not poor idiots, because they buy clothes at the same price as preppy people, therefore, must get the same amount of money.

it's in the rules that you have to read through the topic before you post, so don't even post if you didn't. don't jump to conclusions and be offensive when i'm actually arguing the same thing you are.

STOP BEING LAZY AND READ THROUGH THE TOPIC OR DON'T POST AT ALL, PEOPLE! I AM SICK OF PEOPLE NOT READING!

[Rachel]

obviously sterotyping isn't fair

BUT EVERYONE DOES IT.

[swe3ttemptasian]

^^^ agree.

[Brneydgrl]

of course it's not fair. i try to talk to all ppl now matter how they're dressed or what they do. you learn some pretty amazing things about ppl.

for me i like to have fun with those sterotypes. the other day i'm dressed in all AE gear, and go into hot topic. No one expects me to shop at American Eagle and listen to Manson. and when i do go 'punk', some ppl think i have nothing intelligent to say. they don't know i'm planning to get a doctrine in art history.

so yes, because i've hung out with different ppl, and my dress style varies, i learned about other ppl. and now i love how ecclectic i've become

[*suddenly she*]

labels are descriptions of a person who does something to the extreme. often, labels do not work, as every person is an individual (sometimes they might not act like one, but yeah). when a person is categorized into a group, they are expected to be what the label claims them to be.

suppose there's person a, personb, and person c. person b does not know person a, so person c tells person b that person a is a (insert label here). therefore, person b already has a probably wrong idea about what sort of person person a is. labeling is just forcing unrealistic descriptions onto people..

i have just boggled myself. but hopefully, some of that made sense.

[aznxdreamer]

it went way too far. people judge people at first glance. a lot of people think im goth cuz i have alot of black clothes. when i go to school everyday, i can label the groups of people. theres all these little groups huddled together like all the preps together, all the skaters together, and so on. i made of map of our lunch room like in mean girls. haha.

[Rachel]

this is such a pointless debate

obviously everyone knows sterotyping isnt fair or just but people still do it. example: look above.

[CrimsonSkyGraphi...]

Hm. I go around half the time calling myself a prep..or priss..or whatever because of the way I act a lot. (I love clothes, shopping, makeup..never leave the house for a second without looking 'pretty'..etc.) But I do it jokingly. As if I was labeling someone else.

This makes me think of the problems that arose inthe 60's with the "long haired hippies who obviously did drugs and had sex with everyone" o_o'

People look at it in a bad way because they want to be individual from everyone else. They dont want to be put in a 'group' of other people, and assumed how they are just by how they look/talk. True, that's very unfair. All it is is a person's style showing. Nowadays we live in a society that at least partly accepts that people are different, and lets them be themselves a bit more. But our nature still needs to point out "Oh look, that person is different from me" so they still get shoved in a group.

But, if you wanna look at like that..in some ways isnt 'female' and 'male' being labeled? o.O We have different body parts and look different, so we automatically put a label on those differences. And with that label, everyone puts a stereotypical personality on that person. So, really..it's the same as labeling someone for their clothes or they habits. Let people be themselves. Dont 'judge' them by it. And that goes the same for those who have been labeled and dislike it. Let the people who labeled you label you. What does it really matter to you? You're getting ot be yourself, which is wat matters. So enjoy it and be proud that someone 'notices' how unique you are. ^_^

[*nightmare4taki*]

stereotyping is all around us whether its race, religion. or status. SAME WITH THE JUSTICE SYSTEM AS WELL. I remember when I used to wear my hair in cornrows the white people used to think i was a thug so they would get scared of me. I would walk in stores and they would move aside. I thought that sh*t was funny. If I wouldn't have applied for my job(WHERE PEOPLE STEREOTYPE ALL THE TIME) then I would of kept those Braids just to scare people.

[AngelTears]

No its not fair..

When you call someone a prep your giving them a name that says who they are.

I mean if someone refured to you as a prep because you wear.. a skirt.. that really isn't fair.

Not to menchon it puts a limit on who you are, you might be a prep or fall into that catigory but you like punk rock music..? So why should one of your charicteristics get labeled and the others not?

[sammi rules you]

^ mention* not menchon.

and because people are stupid? i hate it when people generalize others by the clothes they wear..

my mom is so guilty of it. she almost wouldn't let me buy my black converse cause she was afraid i was gonna wear all black all the time just cause i wanted some shoes that went with everything. cause ya know, people who wear black are baaaad..

[pandamonium]

my mom judges a lot of people and i told her i dont like it. i think judging people is fair but only when its kept to yourself. i mean everyone does it its just the matter of not hurting people around you. its totally fine if you judge somebody but keep it to your self cause if you judge someone else they have the same ability to do to you because you also are not perfect.

if judging was bad then you would be limiting someones mind from thinking things.

[wounded]

Labelling is part of human nature. I'm not saying it's right - How many times do I want to hurt someone for telling me who I am?! - but you can't stop it. For people to be truely open, it'll take a lot more than what most people are willing to give.

[tmauze]

Okay, I don't feel like going into a lot of depth right now, so let me just say that I definately don't find it fair, but it is human nature and so there is only so much we can do about. It would be great if no one judged or stereotyped though.

[gOODpIRATE]

labeling is dumb to me.

completly dumb. so are sterotypes.

you dont know who a person is just by looking at them. i hate it when people look at me and pass all of these stupid judgements. people dont truly know who you are until they get to know you.

[loljuliana]

it's not fair. i mean, looking at someone's clothes, and then putting them in a certain group? that's ridiculious (sp?). and also by race, just because they are a different race doesnt mean that you are better than them.

[jue]

some people as a matter of fact; many people label others. i think its wrong because your judging someone before you even know who they are. For example; someone might think your a fob or so and so, would yu like it if someoen called yu that when yu really arent what they think you are.?

[*iNyCxShoRT*]

I don't think it's fair. You shouldn't be classified in groups =\

[Blurred_reflecti...]

"All these guys are retarded Goths"-My Brother

Like my brothers reply to all these messages, I find that nearly everywhere I turn I am surrounded by insecure teenagers that feel they must label everyone and everything insight. Most of the time it is just meaningless jokes or comments but sometimes it goes beyond that with statements like, "Preps suck and if you are not punk you also suck!" First of all what is the definition of prep or punk. If you ask a variety of people what the meaning of those words are you will get tons of different answers. How is it fair to catorigize people using terms that have so many different meanings? My favorite color is black and I like heavy metal. By just the information a lot of people would immediently slap me with the label of Goth. But they don’t take the time to realize that I shop at American Eagle and I enjoy reading People Magazine. Which are most clearly “preppy hobbies.” I also could be called a nerd or a punk depending on what you know about me. See that’s the problem with labels, they compel you to make an opinion on people based on mainly their dress style or hobbies without ever getting to know them. Do you really want people to judge you on just that? I understand the labels have been and most likely will be around for forever. But that doesn’t mean its okay. If you want to read a very well written article on labeling go to the following site:

http://www.starlightmks.com/main.html and click on The Battle of The Stupid Labels.

If you want to talk E-mail me at Blurred_reflection@yahoo.com

Also even through I severely disagree with 0riskybusiness0 I don’t think that it is fair to label her an idiot, even through it is tempting…

[Mulder]

obviously its not fair. i doubt anyone actually thinks that it is. so how is this a debate? ill leave that to the mods.

[Paradox of Life]

obviously its not fair. i doubt anyone actually thinks that it is. so how is this a debate? ill leave that to the mods.

This topic was dead and you helped bring it back to life. And now you want the mods to close it.

[lbjshaq2345]

i dont rly care about labeling i mean c'mon wat kind of person rly cares about stuff like that i mean i get called stupid shit all the time cuz the way i believe supposedly conflicts with the way i am i believe in God but i listen to rap and wear "wigga clothes" and most of my friends are black but thats just my enviroment (didnt spell that right) but i jus ignore them and keep goin jus bcuz some person i dont know calls me a name like we're still in 3rd grade am i spose to react? it doesnt matter to me i do it too but its just in a joking way i dont hate any particular group of ppl only ppl as individuals that im not on good terms with i mean i have nerd friends goth & emo friends gangsta friends christian friends black friends white friends asian friends mexican friends jock friends preppy friends poor friends rich friends but i also have enemies from all those groups but no matter how i'm labeled it doesn't bother me

[*lolita kitty*]

when people label too much, that annoys me quite alot. i mean, yeah yeah, i know i know, your so awesome because "im no label! labels r for soup cans! im myself!"

it just gets old. i mean... its cool if you dont act like a preppunkgothwannabee, but shut up with the "labels suck. labels suck. labels are for soup canz lol"

... its hard to describe, but yes =3

edit:// oh yes, more to say

it also annoys me when people do label, and way to quick. its annoying. i mean, i could be wearing a black shirt and some eye liner and all of a sudden "OMFG... YOU ROCKER WANNABEEE! YOU SUCH A FREAK!"

um dude, stfu. its a shirt. k? a shiirrrrrrrttt.......

or i could be wearing some light pink shirt, a mitching skirt, and lipgloss, and all of a sudden "whoa! look at her that little preppy biotttcccchhhh!!!" i mean, yes i have long blonde hair. yes im wearing pink. wtf does that mean? its a shirt.

steryotyping a persons race is quite annoying also. being white does not make you preppy or a punk rocker, who hates black people and think asian food sucks. being asian does not mean you love anime and eat ramen all day. being black does not meab your a gangster who listens to your rap music. yes, sometimes these people are these things. but not always.

[innovation]

most teenagers want to be labelled. jeesh.

[jjc66]

[censored. this has NOTHING to do with the topic. don't mess with the debate forum-fae]

This post has been edited by uninspiredfae: Jul 11 2005, 10:21 AM

[lakerfever2476]

I just can't help but generalize.

Ok, so you see someone walking by. She's wearing black framed glasses, an expensive suit, stunning heels, and a briefcase on her right hand while she's looking at the time with her left. What are you going to think of her? You're going to think that she's a busy lady on a tight schedule. And that she's rich. LOL

Then, you see another person walking by. She's wearing a doo rag, baggy pants, and she has a cigarette between her index and middle finger. Her eyes are bloodshot red. You're gonna think she's a lowlife!

And, believe it or not, some people want people to make judgements about them. It can be a good thing. You ever heard someone tell you to dress nice so that people will have good first impressions about you? First impressions = judgements.

[aznxdreamer]

stereotyping is involutary. we do it automatically. you do it. i do it, but i dont like it. it pisses me off when someone labels someone but then i feel like a hypocrite because i do it too.
stereotyping is bad but it comes with our society. we label people because we were raised to believe that people that wear lots of black are gothic and people who shop at abercrombie are preps. im pretty sure people living in alsdja;sldkja;sldkj island off the coast of asldja;sd, africa steriotype too but their labeling is probably alot diffrent from ours. HUMANS JUDGE AND THERES NOTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT IT. its a part of us.

[ComradeRed]

Stereotypes are so gay!

[Paradox of Life]

Stereotypes are so gay!

Okay, don't use the word gay in replace of stupid or lame. It's just mean and homophobic.

[sadolakced acid]

Okay, don't use the word gay in replace of stupid or lame. It's just mean and homophobic.

careful! that's the mighty minda!

[*CrackedRearView*]

careful!  that's the mighty minda!

Oh, come off it.

[sadolakced acid]

Oh, come off it.

but.. but... minda left for our sins!

and the third coming of minda signals the impending apocolips...

[YourSuperior]

I don't think that labeling is fair, because most of the time it isn't true. It's mean, hateful and just plain wrong in many ways. iM0

[pyrochick19770]

I personally don't think it's fair, however, it IS a way of life.
I do it myself.
ALL THE TiME.
I know, hypocritical but face it, we all do it.
I call people posers, wannabes, stupid scenesters, etc.
Terrible thing to admit, but I accept it.
But it's not like those things will stop me from being your friend. LOL

[technicolour]

We would be VERY naive to say that it is wrong. Yes it is wrong. It will always be wrong. But it will always be in the world no matter what we do. just the human culture.

[katssso]

I HATE labeling

[ComradeRed]

but.. but...  minda left for our sins!

and the third coming of minda signals the impending apocolips...

Haha: if you consider me going to college the impending apocalypse, sure.

By the way, Sammi showed me that... thread...

[ComradeRed]

...and stereotyping that really makes no difference either way.

[ktsou11]

it's not right but maybe its their personality that's being "categorized". of course, it doesnt matter cause there are always going to be those types of people.

[elaboratedream]

labelling isn't fair, but we do it still. you see someone walking around in a sorta slutty outfit and you think "definately prep" and then you see someone in a sorta weird outfit with bright blue hair and you think "punk" and so on... it might not be good, or fair or whatever, but people do it anyways. It's human nature to group things like that... but that doesn't mean you should stick by those initial thoughts and refuse to associate with someone just because they're prep or punk or goth or whatever...