Lacy Stevens, Co-Editor-in-Chief
“I don’t really like to classify myself as anything in particular
as far as socially, although I think that if you’re going to judge other
people, you should judge yourself.”
Such are the words of Ethan Ballinger, a sophomore, who also was interviewed
for this stereotype feature.
Most of the general stereotype surveys, which 100 CHS students completed, said
that stereotyping is negative.
Ballinger said, “It depends. I’d say for the most part, ‘cause
most of the time, when people categorize other people, it’s in a negative
way.”
“I don’t know anybody who doesn’t -- it’s kind of the lazy
way out of getting to know people,” Ballinger said.
Usually stereotyping is considered negative, most people do it and yet most
consider it morally wrong.
“The act of stereotyping people,” said Ballinger, “has always
been accepted as morally wrong, but it seems that today most people don’t
think twice about it. And the people being streotyped don’t really mind
it.”
Since Ballinger tries to steer clear of stereotyping, he doesn’t really
know how he would classify himself.
Ballinger said, “Some people have classified me as a prep, and I’m
not really a jock (though I play soccer). I’ve got friends in all categories.”
“People like to compare themselves to other people. I don’t think
it’s necessary, but it’s just easier to classify people,” he
added.
Perhaps that’s just human nature: that we, socially, have a need to categorize,
compare, and be aware of our differences. Maybe we can’t help it.”
As for his words of wisdom, Ballinger offered, “People shouldn’t be so worried about the social part of it; and they shouldn’t be worried about being stereotyped and stereotyping other people.”
Article prepared for web by J. Wheeler
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