Well, I think we usually see what we are looking for or we don't see what we don't want to see!
Anonymous sent me a message sorta kinda saying that I
stereotype! I do and so does anonymous! I’m stereotyping here, you stereotype as well as all humans do. An acquaintance told me about a special activity he did
when he was in his mid-20s. Then he said, that was the happiest time of my
life. Of what I know of his next 60 years of his life I can understand that.
I’m stereotyping people with his type of lifestyle as it appears as those with his type of life style don't live a very happy
life. My stereotype of course!
In Yakama, we walk in a neighborhood that we really like. It
is an older neighborhood with older houses that are quint, almost fairy tale
styles, with mature shrubs, mature trees and old brick fences/walls. They have
court yards, gates, private areas, which are very inviting. They remind me of miniature
old castles or estates of years gone by. Others must like them as well as they
are very popular houses for folks to live in which makes them pricey. They just
seem mysteriously romantic to me. I could live in one. I think a certain unique
type of people live in these houses. I’m stereotyping here.
I think that for many, perception is reality.
This guy is not dressed as a typical hot dog eater at Costco. I stereotyped him; my stereotype was very positive! Just then a guy passed my table with a cart full, I mean full, of stuff. He had on a Seahawk tee-shirt on as did I. I said--go Seahawks--he said, go Seahawks back--tough loss Sunday--can't win them all--you got that right; he gave me a big smile and off he went. My stereotype of him also was very positive.
Some folks do not have a set of rules to follow in living
their lives (i.e. they live with no rule book). They have no right or wrong, no
correct lifestyle example to live by, no standards; basically they live by whatever
they think is right and they don’t care how other people live their lives
either; no play book or set of rules to follow (i.e. they play life by their ear
or maybe feelings). They might not follow the civil laws or criminal laws if
they disagree with them. I call this way of life “a free for all.” This way of
life is confusing to me but obviously not to some. I’m probably stereotyping this
type of person.
A young man in his 20s shared my table with me while eating our hot
dogs at Costco told me that he goes to a certain church here in the Valley.
This church seems to be doing will with a lot of attenders. I asked him why
they seem soo successful especially with the younger couples and families and
he said—“Well, the church is clear that there are certain ways to live proper
lives and they make it very clear and expect people to live that way; people
like standards to live by.”
Jeanne and I went on a fun hike up ‘er in ‘em mountains recently
and it was really fun and even maybe an accomplishment for us at our age. We
interacted with other hikers and once again commented that hikers are happy
folks; they love nature and being out exercising. They are unique people (i.e.
is that a stereotype or reality). Related to that, I believe folks who believe
in Jesus have a peace about them that shows when they interact with others and it even
shows physically; it just shows up! Is that a stereotype or reality? Dr. J says--If
we don’t have peace within ourselves, we can’t have peace with others.
I stereotype people as to how they talk, dress, their bumper
stickers, if they keep their promises, if they are always mad at the
world, their hair dos, if their cars are clean, what people eat, how they take
care of their body, what they read, who their friends are, how their kids act,
what their activities are, if they are kind, sweet, and caring, their hobbies,
etc. Don’t kid ourselves, we stereotype folks. I wonder how folks stereotype
me! Realities are a little fuzzy at times!
I think we don't always see people the way they are, we see them the way we are.
A neighbor to the house we “house sat” in CA has this sign
on the end of his drive. What do you think he looks like and what do you think
he’s like? What is your stereotype of this person?
We met him and we know. You don’t. Now if I
tell you that he has hair to his shoulders, a full face of hair with a full,
long white beard, does that change your stereotype of him. Now if I tell
you in this neighborhood the houses are in the 2m$ range, does that affect your
stereotype? If I tell you that we were told that he is a nice guy and has a
pottery shed in his back yard would that affect your stereotype? Now if I tell you he's a retired CA Highway Patrol officer would that affect your stereotype of him. C’mon, you
know it does!
I think we sometimes mistake confidence for arrogance!
We think that traveling gives us the opportunity to see and be around people of many different life styles, beliefs, and ways of living a.k.a. a broad perspective. It seems to help break down our stereotypes, maybe. We learn to accept people more and accept them, maybe, even though we might have a hard time in agreeing with them, maybe. Anyway, it seems like it does for me, maybe! It seems to break the attitude of the old
nursery rhyme, “I do not like thee, Dr. Fell; the reason why I cannot tell.” What is your stereotype of this traveler who has been around?
Esther of Grace says--"They were looking for a strong powerful king who would bring present day, present trouble freedom. Instead, he came quietly - humble, gentle, and kind. He turned what they knew upside down. He was not what they were expecting. He was more than they ever knew they needed. He is Love. His freedom for us is eternal. He is the King of kings."
Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:
erv
MyDeceasedFriend Jean said--To learn a subject well, teach it to someone else.
