Stereotyping is one of many ways in which we make sense of the vast volume of information available to us.
Contrary to the negativity attached to the concept, stereotyping remains a popular method of understanding people, events and circumstances around us.
Nowhere is stereotyping more pronounced than when dating. Men and women alike place potential mates in a wide range of stereotypical portraits making sense of their actions, conversations and even possible thought patterns using the blueprint available to the particular stereotype.
Communication between friends too often follows and derives from the view of stereotypes given that most acquaintances can make better sense of a "charming artistic type" or "promiscuous high heel type" than lengthy explanations of one's love interest's personality traits.
Considering the widespread nature of elaborate stereotypes it's often easy to explain certain types as positive ones while others are feared and identified as warning bells.
Women even amid their striking complexities and intricately detailed personalities find themselves fitting a stereotype.
As far as stereotypes go, here are a few unusual ones that should be indulged at your own risk.
The Girl Who Reads
"Do those things, because nothing sucks worse than a girl who reads. Do it, I say, because a life in purgatory is better than a life in hell. Do it, because a girl who reads possesses a vocabulary that can describe that amorphous discontent as a life unfulfilled"
- Charles Warnke-
The girl who reads as scarce as she is in contemporary society is a peculiar blend of sophistication and intensity.
Social interactions involving the "reader" types are often unconventional and take place outside of bars and pubs, but the point to note is that the intensity of an intoxicated run in with a nonreader is preserved and concentrated in the brief meetings with these types.
The level of intellectual stimulation is often overwhelming and stands out. However the problem is in their apparent lack of satisfaction with reality as a whole.
Readers have an avid appetite for all that is picture perfect and beyond that. Their vocabulary like their imagination runs wild with what might have been and what could have been.
Most importantly however readers tend to be as melodramatic as the material they read. All in all readers are to be avoided when looking for potential dates.
“She thought, the Count my lover is brave as brave can be;
He surely would do wondrous things to show his love of me;”
-Leigh Hunt-
From Gossip Girl to Ugly Betty, spoiled girls are a common breed and can be easily identified by their whimsical behaviors.
Often accompanied by personal maids and slaves alike, these girls have had the world handed to them on a platter and will continue to expect the same treatment all throughout their lives.
Even though it might be tempting to bring them down from their high horse, dating them isn’t the way to go. Spoiled girls will make demands that need be met and hell breaks loose if they aren’t met. These relationships often end in violent outbreaks and unpleasant trauma.
The Social Butterfly
“The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough.”
-Rabindranath Tagore-
Social butterflies are easy to spot dazzled by the latest fads and trends. They tend to be loud and full of confidence, a positive enough trait.
Furthermore social butterflies are the life of the party adding to the charm of owning one.
But on a rather bleak flipside they also tend to be superficial and skin deep, personifying ‘dumb blonde’ portrayals that you thought only existed in movies.
Among the dangers of dating a butterfly is the constant danger of promiscuity and unfaithfulness due mainly to their insatiable need for recognition, popularity and attention.
On a conclusive note a relationship with a butterfly type entails an absurd amount of appearances to maintain even in the midst of a crisis.
(Article by Dilshan Senaratne)
This article is a result of the author’s own research into the subject and is not to be taken as a professional viewpoint.
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0 Comments
Agirlwhoreads says:
Jul 26, 2012 at 03:46 amHow misinformed you are as a writer. Do not, under any circumstance confuse a woman who reads to one that is suffering from mild forms of schizophrenia (as you so vehemently "stereotyped").
Dilshan Senaratne says:
Jul 26, 2012 at 03:27 pmWell for one thing a schizophrenic has an altered or lack of touch with reality, to say s/he is dissatisfied with reality is to put it very mildly.
For another thing I'm not the only "misinformed" writer, check charles warnke's piece 'a girl who reads'.
Finally contrary to its evident pitfalls a reader may be an acquired taste of sorts much like raw fish or boiled snails.
I'm grateful for the comment. :)
Gofigure says:
Jul 27, 2012 at 08:23 amI presume you also stereotype your readers as half wits...? Please reread the piece by Charles Warnke, whom you have religiously quoted (out of context) [http://thoughtcatalog.com/2011/dont-date-a-girl-who-reads/] and try to understand that it is meant to be satirical. I don’t know how you missed that. I suggest YOU read more, and in turn, avoid underestimating the intellect of your readers.
Dilshan Senaratne says:
Jul 27, 2012 at 05:34 pmSatire or not, there's a valid point made. And I meant read the reasoning not the claim. Contrary to the very emotional sentiments, you haven't argued against or disproved any of my points.
Agirlwhoreads says:
Jul 28, 2012 at 09:15 amhaha yes exactly what I was wondering. It's an entirely satirical post. In response however, another was written. If you have some spare time, google "Date A Girl Who Reads by Rosemarie Urquico". Might shine some light on to your clever . stereotyping:)
Gofigure says:
Jul 31, 2012 at 02:05 amYes yes. You've made some very 'valid' points. And the 'reasoning' in the claim is such an eye opener. I'm speechless at the depth and wisdom of your 'points' which is also why I'm gushing 'emotional sentiments'.