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YSunday, December 3, 2006
Over-Generalisations Of Any Group Or Organisation Based On Unfounded Half Truths Labels: Musings
Also known as stereotypes.
In Singapore, most of the "name brand" schools all have their stereotypes. According to experts, each student that passes through the various gates of each proud institution will come out with uncanny similar characteristics to the thousands of others who have followed the same path. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. RI boys are nerds, HCI boys are Communist nerds, with RGS and Nanyang being the respective female counterparts. ACS(I) boys are rich, while ACS(Barker) boys are rich and dumb. While all the CHIJ girls are... well, easy. Last and definitely not least, SJI boys, who are either, A) Gay, B) Indian, or C) Gay and Indian.
I don't know about the other schools, but maybe some of the stereotypes regarding SJI are somewhat based on observations, and may be true to a certain extent. SJI does have quite a few Indians, I would say the percentage is slightly above that of the national average. Now, the belief that all SJI boys are homosexual is not true at all. There may be a percentage of homosexuals in SJI, but I am quite certain that it has nothing to do with the school's influence or teachings. I have nothing agaisnt homosexuals, it is their choice of lifestyle, and it is absolutely none of my business. However, I, as does everyone else, enjoy making fun of others that are different from me, this does not only include gay people, it also encompasses tall, short, skinny, fat(or fatter than me), smart and dumb people. Don't judge me, you do it too. However this does NOT mean I dislike them, I do not hate people as a group, I dislike individuals.
Anyway, the issue at hand, is why do people think of Josephians as homosexual? I believe the answer lies in the things we are taught. One of SJI's teachings is to be Men Of Integrity, Men For Others. As such, we are taught to be sensitive to feelings, of other peoples' faith and cultures, suffering, humanity, love. Thus, we become sensitive boys. Hence, when teenagers of other schools observe us, we seem to them more compassionate, more receptive to feelings, more sensitive. This observation, coupled with their views of boys should be tough and strong, makes them feel as if we are all homosexuals.
I would like to once again state that I have nothing against people of any racial, religious or lifestyle group. I also love my alma mater, even though I did not sing the songs or cheer as loudly as I could have. The final message of this post is that stereotypes, are more often than not, untrue. It would be a shame to not get to know somebody, just because of his background, education, race or religion. Get to know someone well enough, before you even think of classifying him as friend or foe.