Stereotypically Speaking: Stereotypes that Really Get Under My Skin

There are many stereotypes out there, and people are forced to deal with them on a daily basis. However, the inconsistency of a few drives me crazy. They have little to no basis in fact, and are still widely held as truths throughout our society. What is it about these annoying and often degrading stereotypes that make them stick? Well, let's get started and look at the ones which are annoying enough to have made it to my Top 5 Most Stupid Stereotypes of All Times list.

One of these stereotypes is that all single women are looking to ensnare some unsuspecting man into marriage, a mortgage and a family by any means necessary. I mean, come on, how archaic can we get? Guys, this is in no way meant to offend you, but not all women want the domestic bliss associated with being married and having a family. In a day and age when women have held every position from top government leaders to small business owners, one would assume that it would go without saying that some of them did not want to be tied down to one person or a family. Most often single women go out for the same reason that single men do to have a good time. And believe it or not, there are just as many women looking for Mr. Right Now as there are looking for Mr. Right. So, be forewarned this old stereotype is supremely outdated, and don't let it surprise you when you hear a woman say a relationship is not in her plans for the future.

Another stereotype that gets under my skin is that Southern people think as slow as we talk. Take a look around we are no longer a part of bygone era's when the majority of southern people were plowing their farms with mules. We have come a long way since then. Some of the top universities in the country are located in the south such as Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. There are even luxury features in the south now such as indoor plumbing and shoes!

Why is it that anyone who lives in trailer is considered trash? I have heard the term trailer trash all my life, and I always wondered why it was that where someone lived should in the eyes of the world determine what they were. Well, I think this stereotype is particularly stupid. Mobile homes, or trailers, offer a very affordable type of housing to many people, and I don't think they should be judged based on this factor alone. But, honestly speaking, I don't think it helps that when something happens like a tornado hits a trailer park, the media always manages to find the one person there missing over half their teeth and unable to put three words together to get an interview with.

And you just have to love the stereotype that if you are poor you are stupid. I mean is a person's ability to acquire wealth really tied that intricately to their level of intelligence? I always thought that the amount of money in their bank account was more intricately tied to the amount of deposits that they made. Honestly speaking there are brilliant artists, inventors and writers across the country who barely manage to eek out a living in their given trade. I guess at least they understand that even though they may be judged by their bank account it won't determine if they are smart enough to put together a sentence.

The stereotypical image that bothers me the most is that women are somehow divinely infused with the power to be a domestic goddess. That this requires no effort on their part, and they do it because they have to. Well, wake up and smell the burning toast! Women who do choose to be mothers and stay at home wives do it because they choose to, not because they have to. And, they are good at these things because they use these skills daily; it is their profession so to speak. So, the next time you burn the pizza or overcook the eggs, remember we can't all be Martha Stewart.