Stick It To Me Stigma Style: It Harms More Than It Helps

 

The world is very diverse in today's society and with so many differences apparent sometimes stereotypes emerge  that portray a certain group of people in one light that can sometimes be misguided, one-dimensional or very untrue . The most negative side affect of that is when one is  associated with something based on what they wear or where they live or by what type of music they listen to. With a stigma, which is sort of  false generalization of a group of people, you can guarantee that a premature judgement is being made whether it is intentional or subconsciously. What is a stigma one might ask? A stigma is  a mark of shame or discredit and can also be an identifying mark or characteristic. It is true that a person can be judged and perceived a certain way  that can be totally opposite of their character just based of the color of their skin. History has shown us this in many instance.

The stigma issue has recently been revisited as millions witnessed the news of the killing of a 17- year-old boy who was shot that was deemed as a threat because he looked suspicious in his hoody. There were also other identifying factors in this story that really related to the masses. It was something that triggered emotions from all races because it affected so many people. This is just one example.

Another one that can also be very controversial is the event of 9/11 terrorist attacks. It has been portrayed in movies, shows, and sitcoms how one group of extremist tagged every Muslim or middle easterner under the same umbrella. What is most unjust about this stigma is that an assumption is made that all people who wear a turban, sury, or a head wrap  has adopted those same ideas of that one group of fundamentalists. Many people who have that faith are sometimes under more scrutiny because of their belief because they are automatically associated with Bin Laden of some sorts. There are many sectors of that faith that are not exactly the same and the stigma of what is worn on the head or how covered up a female should be does not fall under the same umbrella.
                            
Another stigma that triggers many emotions is in the entertainment field where if you are a female artist in the R & B or Pop genre is an automatic requirement that you showcase your body and include sensual lyrics. Where as in Soul or Country female artist are usually deemed more modest and covered up. The truth is that in order to be successful in the music industry period you need to be good and have the charisma is takes to captivate an audience with your talent. Many times this concept is clouded by the wardrobe team and the creative director because the body of a woman needs so be first presented. Even in Hip Hop music. The genre is often described as lyrics of crime, violence, and drugs, when there are many songs that are free of profanity and talk about love, achievement, success, camaraderie. It is an urban form of poetry but is sometimes characterized as useless music and the nonsense of this generation. I even had an art professor say that it was no way a painter or sculptor could create anything having that kind of music in the background which is a very biased statement because there even shows where poets and artist perform in front of an audience with hip hop in the background that calms their nerves and gets them in the moment.

Lastly, there are stigmas that are recurring because of lack of exposure and education. Not all Asians know karate. There are many forms of martial arts. Not all African Americans are on welfare. There are many successful entrepreneurs who have contributed to society in mounds. Not all Muslims or middle easterners are violent. There are many organizations of that faith that promote peace. Stigmas are suto-identification of who a person really is because its only on the basis of not understanding.