That's the problem with those people; they always generalize.

[Skyshot]

I've had this idea for a while now. First, stories.

A former history teacher of mine told of a time he (a Southern fellow) and a friend (also Southern) met up with some fellows from New York (not the city) to play baseball over a weekend. I forget the exact circumstances, but they're not important in this case.

At the weekend's end, the conversation turned to what they had learned about the other culture.

My teacher's friend remarked he was surprised New York wasn't "all city." The teacher himself wasn't so naïve, but he remarked he was surprised not all people from New York were arrogant and inhospitable. The New York fellows, as I remember, weren't particularly offended, and responded they were surprised -- honestly, truly, surprised -- these Southern boys had shoes.

Another story from the same guy --

A friend of his explained to him Roman Catholics aren't Christians. When asked why, he explained, "They don't worship Jesus. They worship Mary."

And one from my youth director:

Once, it was arranged somehow he would show some Russian tourists around the general area in an American community. As he was doing so, it began to rain. They were rather caught off guard at this, as they had been taught it never rains in the US.


There are plenty of misconceptions and stereotypes attached to the various cultures, groups, and trends people are associated with. Sometimes people get carried away with those and come up with wild ideas, as in all cases above. Seeing as how the NPF has a rather diverse crowd of posters, I figured this would be a good place to address those, and clear up misconceptions.

Are you a Jew, but not obsessed with money? Black, and don't want to be a "gangsta?" Southern, and not racist? Redneck, and not interested in NASCAR? Libertarian and neither belligerent, nor naïve, nor paranoid? Told someone to be open-minded, and practiced what you preached? Enlighten us.

Alternately, if you've heard stuff about a group and you're not sure whether it's true, ask here. Let's learn something. And to that end, the things you address don't have to be about you; they can be about someone you know.

Please treat this with all the seriousness you would a Discussion topic. It's not in Discussion because I don't intend for there to be many replies to posts; I'm shooting for largely independent posts making individual points, and I want them to be meaningful. Basically, we know you're a psychopath but sometimes you stab people in the face rather than in the chest but hush, the adults are talking.

For example, I'm a cynic by definition. I'm not depressed, nor lonely, nor particularly dissatisfied with life.

EDIT: Something I was going to say, and forgot. I know a Libertarian. When he brought it up, he was less belligerent about it than I was, and that's simply because I had an interest in discussing it. He didn't, and I recognized that, so I dropped it. He's also too laid back to be paranoid, and he's too smart to be naïve. Given, I don't think these are actual stereotypes of Libertarianism, but they are misconceptions, possibly more popular than I'm aware of.

[Lockeownzj00]

I think the stereotypes of Asian culture--China, Korea, Japan, etc, are fairly bad. Especially the, "there's no difference between China and Japan so let's not bother using different words for them" thing.

Some girl I know actually tried to say "In Asia they bathe in the street--" her supporting evidence was the fact that her "aunt had gone there last week."

Einstein.

[Fifthfiend]

No but seriously all Asian kids are good at tennis. It's genetic or something.

[Doug]

Originally Posted by fifthfiend

No but seriously all Asian kids are good at tennis. It's genetic or something.

I'm kicking your ass to the moon, and then to the sun.

We're not good... WE'RE GREAT YOU SOB.

[InvaderKrag]

Hahaha...I personally hate the stereotypes that all black people are good athletes, and that all asian people speak the same language. Otherwise known as "Ching-chang-yong-huaaaa"-ese. And that they all know karate.

[Arlia Janet]

I've heard the "Catholics worship Mary, not Jesus" line way too many times. What does that even mean? I wish people would learn about something before they made an opinion about it.
Other than my brothers, I haven't met a Hispanic person who cannot dance . I also like how Hispanic stereotypes seem to contradict each other. "Lazy AND Hard-working"

Remember folks, if you are talking to someone who doesn't speak your language, all you have to do is talk slower and louder. Then they will magically understand you.

[Skyshot]

No but seriously all Asian kids are good at tennis. It's genetic or something.

I'm kicking your ass to the moon, and then to the sun.

We're not good... WE'RE GREAT YOU SOB.

Guys?

Originally Posted by Skyshot

Please treat this with all the seriousness you would a Discussion topic.

I did mean it.

I've heard the "Catholics worship Mary, not Jesus" line way too many times. What does that even mean? I wish people would learn about something before they made an opinion about it.

To my understanding (as a Presbyterian), what the Catholics give Mary isn't even "worship," although it can look like it to an outside observer. It's respect; it's petition for prayer. Or maybe Mary doesn't fit anywhere into anything and I'm insane. Any Catholics around for comment? I've read the terms dulia (respect for saints and angels), hyperdulia (what Mary gets), and latria (worship for God). Don't get into actual "discussion" of who's right and wrong, just say something and let it be.

[Archbio]

I've marinated into a catholic atmosphere somewhat, and I'd have to say that what might contribute to the worship perception is the fact that Mary and the saints are (were?) credited with supernatural influences. Praying to Mary or saints might be catalogued as a form of worship.

[Kikuichimonji]

You're supposed to be asking the saints and Mary to intercede on your behalf to God. Skyshot got it pretty well, although I've never heard those terms before.

More stereotypical-breaking funness:
-I'm mostly Irish, and I've decided to not drink beer entirely, if it can be helped.
-Contrary to popular belief, all of St. Louis is not a large ghetto. I live in a fairly nice suburban neighborhood filled with middle-class old people. They're not much for gansta wars.

[synkr0nized]

Your subject line is ironic given the matter discussed. Perhaps that is merely my perception.