Lives rich in Vitamin ‘S’

To the editor:
    On several occasions, a friend of mine has made remarks about his girlfriend’s “Italian temper.” Another friend thinks all Italians have dark skin and dark eyes. It is a myth that all Italians have hot tempers, and it is also a myth that all Italians have dark skin and dark eyes.  Unfortunately, it is not a myth that there are too many people in this world who spend their time categorizing others. Their lives are rich in Vitamin ‘S.’ (The ‘S’ stands for “Stereotype.”) Vitamin ‘S’ is not sold in stores, and no doctor I know would prescribe Vitamin ‘S.’ Still, society has made sure to raise many of us on a steady diet of it.
    One stereotype, quite common in Maine, is that of the “stubborn Frenchman.” I have only two things to say about this stereotype, and the first one is this: If stubbornness really is a French-Canadian or Franco-American trait, it is only out of necessity that this is so. The threat of linguistic and cultural extinction has made stubbornness a requirement. Second, inappropriate stubbornness is characteristic of “une tête de pioche.” People tend to associate “tête de pioche” qualities with the Acadians and the Québécois, but many “têtes de pioche” in this world have no French connection.
    Stereotypes, to me, at least, are no laughing matter. They don’t just make me angry, they scare me! Hate groups have tried hard to rid the United States of “inferior” groups like Blacks, Jews, Catholics, and other “undesirable” people. They have used traditional stereotypes as an excuse. Hitler and the Nazis tried to do the same thing in Europe, trying to create a “Master Race.” World War II ended over 60 years ago, but the attitudes that led to it have not ended. People often claim in one breath that they are not prejudiced, but in their next breath, they allow a comment to slip out that proves how prejudiced they are.
    Every time we tell people you “can’t trust Blacks,” and every time we talk about “stupid Frenchmen” or “hot Italian tempers,” we’re guilty of encouraging stereotypes. It is a serious mistake to tell others that what we say is “just a bunch of words” and “nothing to get excited about.” Our words express our attitudes, and our attitudes are serious business. Donc, révéillons-nous! C’est sérieux.