Pink Dolphins

Compared to pink elephants, pink dolphins are more recognizable. Recently, they’ve been in their five seconds of fame due to Zara Larsson, the queen of summer music. Besides that they’re known for being notoriously ugly. Just as these animals are labeled, stereotypes exist everywhere, and you have probably experienced it too.

In 1725, William Ged used stereotype to describe a metal coping plate, representing stiff and unchanging ideas. Of course, that is not when stereotypes first came to be, only fit into one word. They come from a variety of factors: peers, teachers, adults, environment and so on. This oversimplification not only does the subject injustice, it can negatively impact them creating isolation between people. 

In Brent Staples Just Walk On By, we saw how he felt after being a victim to stereotypes. Physically and emotionally tired from being misinterpreted, Staples had to change how he upheld himself to the public view. While this may help others see him as a normal person, in reality, it is for his own benefit and avoid misunderstandings. 

We also learn more about the many negative consequences of the expectations society expects; ones that cause internal conflict and struggles. Living up to parent’s expectations. Fitting in at school. The pressure of a given title. However, that is not always the case. Stereotypes could be positive or even neutral, just an observation. Stereotypes didn’t come about for no reason. 

Either way, there is more to one than just what you first see. Even with the pink dolphins, after watching them you’ll soon realize they’re actually strangely playful and cute. We should all put in effort to be more aware of when we do have prejudice or put in effort to clarify the facts from assumptions.