Stereotypes are preconceived notions about a group of people, often used to categorise that particular group of people. People usually find it offensive or racist when they’re stereotyped, and although stereotypes can seem unfairly conclusive, is there any truth in it or are stereotypes completely politically incorrect?
In different parts of the world, blacks are associated with crimes, especially gun-related crimes; we scream ‘racism’ when blacks are singled out for extra screening at the airports and other security checks. However, the rate of gun violence is actually high in black communities, and we cannot shy away from it or wish the truth away. This is not to say that we do not have incidences of gun-violence in other communities, but remember that in stereotypes, the issue is prior assumption and based on characteristics of a lot of members of that particular group.
In Nigeria, we have our own stereotypes associated with different tribes, however offensive they may seem. The Igbos are associated with this innate desire to acquire wealth, the average Igbo man is ambitious, and will not make three sentences without making reference to money. It is not strange therefore that when you ask a Nigerian which tribe is the most money-conscious, the person would reply, without thinking twice, ‘the Igbos’, hahahahaha….not bad, I’m Igbo and I don’t find it offensive though. Other stereotypes also exist in the country. When you visit Italy, a higher percentage of Nigerian girls on the streets working as prostitutes are from Edo State, Nigeria; this has led to the assumption that Edo girls are eager to travel to Europe and work as prostitutes. We argue, protest, but we cannot deny the statistics, and stereotypes are based on these statistics. Unfortunately, Muslims have become associated with terrorism, and it is not unconnected to the fact that almost all terrorist acts that have occurred in this world were carried out by Muslims, and in the name of Islam. Fellow Muslims have tried to convince us that their religion preaches peace, but unfortunately, people are not convinced. Muslims are therefore segregated and discriminated against in some places because people see them as violent and extremists.
Sometimes, the truth hurts, but it’s still the truth. If we do not like the stereotypes we have been grouped under, we have the power to change it. People’s actions brought about the categorization, therefore other people’s actions can also change the stereotypes. They might be politically incorrect, but there are elements of truth in most of it. That however doesn’t mean that this is a general categorization or fair, but that is the reality.
In life, if you don’t like the hands you’re dealt with, you should do something about it. Nigerians are associated with crime and fraud, and we complain, I believe we should do something to change the perception.
That's all from my corner today. Wishing us all a fruitful week.
Hugs...
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