Hello there readers, it's Rachid......what
? you don't remember me ? well I guess, it has been some time since the last
wonder duo talk ! Ah, ring a bell ? Okay ! now that we established that, I am
sure you figured out what this is about. It's Talk number 2, and it's going to
b about stereotypes ! Since my partner in crime is a language and literature
student, I decided to interview her about the kind of stereotypes she and her
classmates have to put up with. But before that, let us start by giving a simple
and scientific definition to the word. In social psychology, a stereotype is a
thought that can be adopted about a specific type of individuals that may or
may not reflect the the reality. A funny example is the established connection
that we always make between donuts and cops in American movies !
So let's start interrogating.....oups, I mean
interviewing our dear friend khaoula here ! first, K. can you you tell me if
you think that you are a subject of stereotypes as a literature student, if yes
by who ?
Oh that's for sure rachid. I'm think
that you are very aware that here Morocco, all
literature students are regarded as lazy and stupid. Literature in general is
considered a choice for people who can't handle science. So to answer
your question literature student are stereotyped by the whole entire society.
Okay, so you do feel targeted by stereotypes then.
What are the most frequent false ideas peoples got about you literature
students ?
The most frequent stereotypes that
literature students face; and I'm gonna focus on English literature students,are
that some people think that we are just waisting our time, some think that we
are nerds, superficial or maybe even lazy. Honesty, there are so many I can
barely remember any.
So where do you think those ideas come from ? why do
some people think you are wasting your time for example ?
Probably because they have the idea
that university, in general, is a waste of time. Because most graduates are
jobless or stuck in jobs with dead ends.
It's interesting that you brought that up, we are
going off topic here but I think this question is very important ! Do you think
that the failure of some university student in their professional careers or
the lack of any for others is the main cause to all those stereotypes?
I definitely think so. I mean there
is no other reason. Because the majority of students don't exactly succeed
career wise, University lost its integrity. And that's why its students are
obliged to deal with all the labels forced upon them.
Could
you tell us about a time where you have personally dealt with a case of those
stereotypes. I mean did you ever have to talk to someone who believed these
false ideas about your studies and how did the discussion go ?
Not really. I mean I'm the shy type
of person so talking to people isn't exactly my fort. But I have definitely
encountered some people who believe in those stereotypes. Like the fact that
English students are mostly superficial wanna be american teenagers. But the
minute you start talking about something deep the way they look at you changes
and I think that says something.
It
definitely does ! what do you think is the solution for this issue ?
To stop group judging people and try to treat them as
seperate individuals would definitely be a great start.
That
is definitely a good start, I think that the media and the press are not doing
any good job in correcting this issue either. Sometimes they even participate
in it, and that leads to verbals conflicts and even racism sometimes. To finish
this, do you have any final words to say Khaoula?
I think that we should all work together in order to
erase stereotypes. Because they don't just hurt stereotyped people but also
society in general. So please dear reader never have preconceived ideas about
someone, go and try to get to know them instead. Believe me it is much more
better.
Wise
words you got there Khaoula ! thank you for sharing your experience and
thoughts with us today !
That is it for this wonder duo talk. As always guys,
remeber to stay positive and do more of what makes you happy. And we will see
you very soon with another wonder duo talk.
The wonder duo
xx
