OK, OK -- it's not politically correct. Not by a long shot. Still, we all have to admit that sometimes we conform to stereotypes about our various identities, origins, communities, family dynamics etc.
True, we may (and very often do) shatter other stereotypes with gusto, thus proving how silly (and even dangerous) stereotypes can be.
Still, once in a while it's fun to admit which stereotypes you fit and just run with it, ya know?
For example:
I'm the youngest of three sons in that a) my older brothers think I was "the spoiled one" while I b) always got bullied/picked on by them (i.e., my older brothers) when we were children.
I'm a sixth generation Oklahoman in that I a) still eat cornbread and buttermilk as "comfort food" when I'm feeling down and out, b) still put ambrosia and iced tea on the sideboard -- even in the middle of winter, c) cringe with revulsion whenever someone mentions The Grapes of Wrath (the novel OR the film version), d) still refer to Oklahoma (as opposed to Texas) as "the right side of the Red River", e) plan almost all my events around a football calendar (one has to here!) and f) don't like to talk too much about my Louisiana blood, and even less so about (!!!) my considerable Texan lineage on Mama's side.
I'm a stereotypical "health nut" when it comes to my trying to get others to at least sample healthy dishes. (No easy feat in a state as carnivorous as my own, believe me. Try taking a tofu stir fry or a roasted nut loaf to a picnic in Idabel, Oklahoma sometime.)
I'm queer as a football bat in that I a) asked for an Easy-Bake oven when I was seven (and was given one!), b) own just about everything Ella Fitzgerald ever recorded, c) once tried to put oregano onto a hot dog during a Boy Scout cook-out when I was nine and d) had a mad crush on Jimmy Somerville when I was in college.
I'm a committed dog man (a.k.a. "dog crazy") to the extent that I a) put my dogs in my last will and testament, even while omitting one of my two brothers, b) genuinely like all dogs better than most humans (my fellow Basenoters the possible exception, granted), c) let my dogs "kiss" me on the face (I even encourage it!), d) keep extensive wardrobes for both my pooches (yes, I admit it, albeit a bit sheepishly) and d) don't mind a little dog hair around the house. (That's why we have vacuum cleaners, folks.)
I'm the son of a clinically diagnosed, severe hypochondriac in that I would rather eat glass and die of the bleeding trots than go to the doctor for anything remotely minor. (I'm not scared of doctors, no, and I DO believe in preventive medicine. I just saw my mother run to the doctor everytime she sneezed -- hence my distinct aversion to unnecessary trips to the doctor's office.)
I'm a stereotypical American in that -- while considering myself fairly well traveled and slightly sophisticated in some regards -- I like my lagers ice cold, my Cokes even colder and my chicken cooked through. (No "blushing chicken" on the Continent for this 'merican, friends. If this somehow renders me a crass philistine from the hinterlands, then so be it.)
OK -- it's your turn. Which stereotypes, if any, might fit you?
True, we may (and very often do) shatter other stereotypes with gusto, thus proving how silly (and even dangerous) stereotypes can be.
Still, once in a while it's fun to admit which stereotypes you fit and just run with it, ya know?
For example:
I'm the youngest of three sons in that a) my older brothers think I was "the spoiled one" while I b) always got bullied/picked on by them (i.e., my older brothers) when we were children.
I'm a sixth generation Oklahoman in that I a) still eat cornbread and buttermilk as "comfort food" when I'm feeling down and out, b) still put ambrosia and iced tea on the sideboard -- even in the middle of winter, c) cringe with revulsion whenever someone mentions The Grapes of Wrath (the novel OR the film version), d) still refer to Oklahoma (as opposed to Texas) as "the right side of the Red River", e) plan almost all my events around a football calendar (one has to here!) and f) don't like to talk too much about my Louisiana blood, and even less so about (!!!) my considerable Texan lineage on Mama's side.
I'm a stereotypical "health nut" when it comes to my trying to get others to at least sample healthy dishes. (No easy feat in a state as carnivorous as my own, believe me. Try taking a tofu stir fry or a roasted nut loaf to a picnic in Idabel, Oklahoma sometime.)
I'm queer as a football bat in that I a) asked for an Easy-Bake oven when I was seven (and was given one!), b) own just about everything Ella Fitzgerald ever recorded, c) once tried to put oregano onto a hot dog during a Boy Scout cook-out when I was nine and d) had a mad crush on Jimmy Somerville when I was in college.
I'm a committed dog man (a.k.a. "dog crazy") to the extent that I a) put my dogs in my last will and testament, even while omitting one of my two brothers, b) genuinely like all dogs better than most humans (my fellow Basenoters the possible exception, granted), c) let my dogs "kiss" me on the face (I even encourage it!), d) keep extensive wardrobes for both my pooches (yes, I admit it, albeit a bit sheepishly) and d) don't mind a little dog hair around the house. (That's why we have vacuum cleaners, folks.)
I'm the son of a clinically diagnosed, severe hypochondriac in that I would rather eat glass and die of the bleeding trots than go to the doctor for anything remotely minor. (I'm not scared of doctors, no, and I DO believe in preventive medicine. I just saw my mother run to the doctor everytime she sneezed -- hence my distinct aversion to unnecessary trips to the doctor's office.)
I'm a stereotypical American in that -- while considering myself fairly well traveled and slightly sophisticated in some regards -- I like my lagers ice cold, my Cokes even colder and my chicken cooked through. (No "blushing chicken" on the Continent for this 'merican, friends. If this somehow renders me a crass philistine from the hinterlands, then so be it.)
OK -- it's your turn. Which stereotypes, if any, might fit you?
I was the king of comtempt prior to investigation. I think as I got older and expeienced life situations comparing myself to others and what others thought of me got clearer. I was brought up with 3 other brothers/ no sisters in a strict Roman Catholic household. My Father died when I was 12 and my oldest brother took over the father role (very confusing to me). Regardless of my (good upbringing) I became a renegade, causing a lot of trouble everywhere I went..well any how I turned out to be a law abiding upstanding (not pillar) member of the community. Some consider me a very effeminate man, because I take care of my personal hygeine, cry sometimes, very caring to people of lesser circumstances. I've had people ask if I'm a lawyer, MD, or even a cop. Ha. See what I mean. When I tell them a little of my past there SHOCKED. How could such a nice looking, well mannered man have been there. Well, I was. When some people find out I teach and compete in the martial arts they remark that I don't look like I'm a "karate man", I invite them out back for a little two step action 
Naw, just kidding. My point is, I work on not making preconcieved judgements everyday and getting better at it. I have NO idea what someone's life has been like, and I should never forget that 
In addition, I only use moves when I absolutely have to, when my life or a loved one is in dire straights. It was designed to shatter the opponent's collarbone...ooops I got carried away...now what about those cannoli 
