As an Indian-American female, I frequently catch people off guard in conversations about career paths and aspirations when I tell them I’m a pre-law student majoring in finance.
“Wait…you’re not pre-med?”
“Wow, that’s really interesting. I’ve never met a pre-law Indian girl.”
“You’re kidding me, right? I thought you wanted to be a doctor!”
Yes, it is very uncommon for an Indian girl like myself to love writing, politics, law and finance, and I’m sure plenty of others can relate to the way I feel when I’m constantly categorized into the “Indian doctors” stereotype. Often times, people come to quick conclusions when someone doesn’t fit a specific stereotype. For example, I’ve had people think I’m not “smart enough” to pursue medicine or healthcare rather than assume that I am not passionate about the field.
Cultural stereotypes are common, and many people believe these stereotypes because it’s easier to generalize than to observe individual differences. However, it’s important to be aware that people within a certain culture have similarities in their mindset and perspectives, but are not identical to each other. Sometimes people don’t realize what they say to others can be very offensive. For example, I’ve overheard the following comments recently in several different settings:
“You’re really smart for a Hispanic.”
“He’s a minority. I’m sure he got into college because of that reason.”
“She’s from the Middle East so she must be really submissive and quiet.”
Many comments like these are both highly offensive and untrue, yet they are repeated daily.
Stereotypes play a large role in people’s views on certain cultures and it’s extremely unhealthy to follow a black-and-white perspective where people who don’t fit into a stereotype are judged and criticized. Increased global communication helps mitigate strict stereotypes by allowing people to communicate with diverse cultural groups and meet people with unique personalities and aspirations.
Not all women are submissive. Not all independent women are aggressive. Not all minorities are illegal. Not all Asians are doctors. Not all environmentally conscious people are hippies. Not all French people are uptight. Not all Americans are selfish. Not all politicians are corrupt.
Some stereotypes are funny; some are hurtful. It’s definitely rare to see an Indian female be so passionate about law and politics, but it’s an eye-opener to see that not everyone fits into a certain stereotype. Being open-minded can open an incredible amount of doors. An employer would be able to expand his business and watch it grow if he hires his employees based on qualifications rather than cultural stereotypes. You can expand your horizons, too, if you are respectful of other cultures and open-minded. You can be the change.
