The dictionary defines a stereotype as “A conventional, formulaic, and oversimplified conception, opinion, or image,” of someone, most often one that is regarded as embodying or conforming to a set image or type. Stereotyping is a frequent error that occurs in a multicultural environment. What do our Teens feel being stereotyped? They think it is a common mistake. In this issue we bring the views of a group of Teens on this topic…read on…

As members of the international community of the IDB and World Bank, we are privileged to live in such a culturally diverse place as the Washington DC area. This area is considered by its inhabitants to be a “bubble” where people are relatively tolerant towards one another. When we were asked to write an article for the Teen Mosaic Activity, we came up with the idea of writing about stereotypes, and how everybody has their own perception of people belonging to a particular country or culture.

It is not uncommon to have pre-conceived notions about different races or ethnic groups of people. But, our stereo-typical notions are most often proven wrong when you get to know someone, from another culture, really well. Here we just want to express our opinion, emphasize the fact that everybody perceives stereotypes, and show that these stereotypes are not true.

For example, when we were living in our native countries, Americans were always viewed as unacquainted about what happened in rest of the world. However, when we came here we found that not all Americans are like that. Furthermore, we realized that we should not judge a whole nation based on a few people who might be less informed. In a multicultural environment like DC we come into contact with varied people and it is ridiculous to judge anybody based on where they come from.

A common misconception is that Asians are nerdy, but not all Asians are crazy about just A’s on the report card. They have different dreams in their lives and therefore; they have different ambitions and aspirations. I’m Asian myself, and many have thought that since I am an Asian I must also be a nerd, especially, in my high school environment. However, when they get to know me they see that I’m a normal high school teenager! I think it is a good idea to have an open mind and also put oneself in the other person’s shoes before we cast them into a stereotype or before we pre-judge them.

With a positive outlook we will be able to blend into any new environment and learn and understand a lot from our dissimilarities and be a vital part of a larger global community.