According to Google, the definition of a stereotype is a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.

Have you been the victim of stereotyping? Have you ever been the enforcer of a stereotype? The correct answer to both questions is YES.

Weird right? How  do I know this? Let’s face it, the bottom line is that we have all heard of a stereotype, and we can name one right now.

As a Hispanic Christian Female, I have come to the realization that this country known as the United States of America, lacks a lot of unity when it comes to different communities. In my 25 years of life, and 24 years of living here, I can say that diversity has not been something that has always been embraced.

I am one, among many, that desires that we all “just get along”, but throughout my life I have always been exposed to something that is called stereotypes.

Stereotypes are thoughts and statements that create an oppressive culture towards those that are being stereotyped.

As an effort to combat and de-stereotype stereotypes there are a couple of things that you can do and can be seen below (DISCLAIMER: they each require bravery):

1. Join the movement with the National Conference for Community and Justice against social injustices that are brought for by stereotypes.
2. Establish real community with a stranger & restructure your thoughts.
   1. Find someone who fits a stereotype that you know of and/or have enforced yourself.
   2. Talk to that person and find out their name, who they are.
   3. Now think of that stereotype again, can you truly say “*insert name here* is/does/says *insert noun/verb*”
3.  Say your name and name the stereotype that you are not, post this on IG/FB/Twitter with the following: #knowmynamenotmystereotype
4. Correct those that say/joke/enforce any stereotype. Confront the idea that they are establishing an oppressed society.
5. Tell your friends, community about the local movement of  #knowmynamenotmystereotype.

🙂