SUMBLOG 5

One of the categories on attitudes and actions that we discussed about in lecture I’ve always enjoy learning about is the concept of stereotype.  Being a minority (Asian-American) in society I experienced many stereotypes growing up.  However I don’t usually get offend by them, and I actually find them somewhat funny.  I say this because most of the time some stereotypes turns out to be true.  One such stereotype that I often heard is that all Asians are good at math.  I find this funny because I actually fit in this stereotype.  I remember in junior high, the class was assigned this really long and somewhat difficult take home algebra test.  Knowing that we can help each other out, we started to form groups after class.  I was thinking of doing the test together with my friends who are also Asian.  Little did we know that we were in high demands for other people, especially with our Caucasian classmates.  I think it’s due to the stereotype that all Asians are good at math that caused this to happen.  I was reluctant at first but ended up joining a group with one of my Caucasian friend, on the promise that he’ll give me 5 Pokémon cards of my choice.  We got it done and got a decent score due to my guidance.  The group that has one of my Asian friends in didn’t do too good as his whole group just put down whatever he put down.  This particular friend unlike me is not really bright at math.  But at the end of the day we both got our Pokémon cards and that is all that matter.  The moral of this story is that don’t assume that all stereotypes are true because it can either help you or hurt you.  This video clip from Wong Fu Production does a good job at showing this; but instead of the all Asians are good at math stereotype, it’s about the all Asians know martial arts one.  Enjoy.