Tolerance Is Key- Final

Stereotypes are born from the natural human desire to structure and organize people, things and ideas into groups. The brain is a complex organ responsible for a number of simultaneous tasks that allow the body to function. Grouping and organizing these subgroups makes it easier for the mind to store and recall thoughts from memory. Stereotyping is simply an unfortunate consequence of this process.

The grouping and classification of certain people depends on the environment in which a person was brought up and the events that shape a persons perceived judgments. For example, if an individual from a rural southern town in North Carolina visits a bar in New York City, the southern person who speaks slow and takes their time looking over the menu might be viewed as a mentally slow, ignorant redneck while the local bartender who speaks fast and with purpose would be perceived as a rude, inconsiderate Yankee. The southern town and busy New York city require different lifestyles and the people who live in these environments adapt accordingly. It is the lack of routine interaction between these two lifestyles that creates a clash of personalities and the eventual stereotype that results after visiting with one another.

Personally, I have been at the receiving end of a condescending stereotype on more than one occasion. The most common judgment I am faced with occurs every summer when tourists flock to the beaches of southern North Carolina in search of sun, fun and warm water. I am often times confused with the strung out, hippie, surfer beach bums that so many people have seen often portrayed in Hollywood movies such as "Point Break,” "North Shore," and "Big Wednesday" to name a few. I do get light blonde hair, bloodshot eyes and sunburn like all of my other fellow local surfers; however, I refuse to be associated with the "hey dude/bro" mentality that so many visitors bring with them to this beach I have called home since I was born. I work hard to correct this stereotype when I come across people with that mentality by showing them a hard work ethic, clear communication skills and desire to better my community.

In the 1960’s, surfers were viewed as bronzed beach bums who were part of a counterculture that was rejected by a capitalist society. The 1970’s and 80’s produced a more degenerate stereotype of the average surfer. The release of the hit blockbuster movie, Fast Times and Ridgemont High played a key role in developing the stereotype that all surfers are worthless drug addicts. Jeff Spicioli, played by Sean Penn, is a surfer who constantly abuses drugs and takes a carefree approach to life with no motivation to succeed.
Today, many surfers are working hard to rebuild their reputation and gain respect for what they love so dearly. The sport is becoming increasingly popular, as the Association of Surfing Professionals has begun taking command of the industry. Kelly Slater and Rob Machado are industry icons whose names and faces have appeared on billboards and commercials, allowing people who are unfamiliar with the sport to appreciate and respect surfers and the lifestyle they choose. The media has played a tremendous part in reshaping the typical surfer stereotype thanks to the amount of coverage contests and events receive on a national level.

Tolerance for those who are different and come from different backgrounds is becoming more widespread and acceptable with the information technology age. The diverse groups of people are having more opportunities to interact with each other and as a result share similar ideas, traditions and values. The media has played a tremendous role in bringing individuals from different backgrounds together to produce a common product. For example, MTV introduced the hit reality shows "Real World" and "Road Rules" in the late 90's. The casts of these television programs come from different lifestyles, regions and ethnic backgrounds. They were forced to live with each other and accomplish a number of goals throughout the duration of the show. The reality program served as an outlet for the audience of a younger generation to see for the first time how people who are so different, can get a long with just a little bit of tolerance and patience.

Stereotypes will always exist whether they are positive or condescending. It is important to remember that all people are inhabitants of this planet and deserve the same amount of respect, regardless of their race, gender, economic status or activities they indulge in. Keeping an open mind and being tolerate of individuals that are different than you will go a long way in creating unity and peace.