Stereotypes. We all have them. We all apply them in various ways. We think that little girls should play with dolls, while little boys should play with trucks. Nerds are weak, while professional athletes are big and dumb. People with college degrees are smart, while those without are lacking. These are just some of the stereotypes that I have been exposed to over the years.
Stereotypes, though wrong on many levels and often wrong in their depiction of individuals, often shape our view of the world.
When I was in construction, I had an interesting conversation with a co-worker one day. I was in the middle of working on my Master’s degree, and was forming for myself new ideas, and new understandings. She raised some questions, and voiced some opinions. And there I stood in my blue jeans, work boots, with a cell phone in one hand, and a tape measure in the other. As we talked, and I challenged her, she stopped the conversation and looked at me. She then stated, “No one sees you coming, do they?” Her implication was that the stereotype of the construction manager did not include ethics, philosophy, and theology. I was supposed to be rugged and good at frames, roofs, and then going home to a cold beer. (I still don’t drink.) I did not fit her, or a lot of others’ stereotypes for a construction guy.
Society has formed these stereotypes, and in turn have also forced these stereotypes on to other people. The thought is that if someone did not fit a certain mold, then they were wrong, and needed to be corrected. This is like trying to make a left-handed person change to being right-handed. It simply does not work.
Jesus did not fit the stereotypes either in case you were wondering. He did not associate exclusively with the rich and powerful. He did not strive for wealth or even fame. He certainly did not settle into his father’s business in an attempt to lead a safe and comfortable life.
The church today is also facing some stereotyping. I’ve seen on social media how the church in general is now being mocked as a home for pedaphiles, and how preachers are just using the pulpit as a cover for illicit activity. People who go to church are hypocrites, and really don’t care about others, only their money.
Stereotypes and stereotyping have harmed a lot of people. Individuals have felt shame for not fitting into a mold. Some have even taken their own lives out of a belief that they were so flawed and wrong.
The challenge for each of us is two-fold. The first is to look at ourselves, and realize that we do not fit the stereotypes that society has put on us. Each of us is a unique individual, with unique dreams, likes, wants, and personalities. The second challenge is to see people, not as society wants to see them, but as they are. We are called to love our neighbors on their own merits, and unconditionally. Everyone has gifts, and is different. It is these differences that make the world colorful and more wonderful. It is our differences that creates conversations, stories, and makes our communities exciting.
Friends, we are all different, and not shaped by common molds and patterns. When we were created, those parameters were thrown away. You are you, and there will never be another one like you. You are special and valued. So is your neighbor, the person across the street, the person in the other city, and all people. Throw the stereotypes away, and embrace the uniqueness of humanity in all its facets.
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