Avoid Stereotypes
Being a teenager can be difficult. The pressure to fit in can be immense as people tend to think of other people in categories or styles, labeling people according to the way they dress and other people they hang out with. This is simply stereotyping, as every individual is unique and special. The sooner you can start thinking of yourself as a [Be Confident|self-confident] individual, the sooner you will be able to avoid stereotyping either yourself or others, which will make you live your life much easily.
Contents
Steps
- Make a list of the specific stereotypes that you wish to avoid. Be precise as to why you object to being stereotyped in that way, and take actions to counteract.
- If you must, make a priority list. Start with the stereotypes that you dislike the most, and work towards counteracting. As time goes on, work your way down the list.
- Collect a variety of brands and styles of clothing. Don't just shop at one or two stores, go into several stores and just look. You don't necessarily have to have a shirt from every store in the mall, but don't be a brand snob. You can shop at American Eagle and still like the Target brand. You can shop at JCPenny and still go to Hollister or PacSun. Shop for clothing anywhere you see clothing you like, not what you think others will like. Clothing and fashion is first and foremost a reflection of your own personality. The most important thing is don't be afraid to try something new.
- Develop a variety of colors. You can have a favorite color, but that should not be the only color you wear! Don't just hate a color just because it may be associated with a certain group or clique. You can wear black without being "emo," and you can wear pink without being a "prep." Now, there are some colors that just don't look good on certain people, so know what works for you and looks good on you before you decide to totally ban that color from your wardrobe.
- Develop a personal style. Don't copy people. If you see someone's outfit that you like, don't ask them where they got it and go copy the same exact look and wear it the next day. You can have the same clothes as others, but it's all about the style. Add your own accessories to things.
- Don't stereotype yourself, period. Don't expect people not to label you if you label yourself. Don't try to fit in any kind of stereotype, for example, don't categorize your style as "emo", "preppy", "gangsta" or "punk".
- Hang out with everybody. People may also stereotype you based on who you hang out with. If your friends are only skaters or only emos, you will most likely be placed into that stereotype too.
- Don't stereotype others. If you call somebody "an annoying prep", that person will most likely call you back "a weird emo" or something. Be tolerant and don't judge people for how they dress or who they hang out with.
- Develop a unique personality. As a teenager, your personality is still under development and you're influenced by everything around you in creating your own unique personality. Find some positive traits in every type of behavior and blend them in with your own. For example, you may appreciate the nerds' intelligence and maturity, the preps' optimism, confidence and sense of style, the emos' sensitivity and romantic nature and the punks' nonconformism and thirst for justice. If you take what's best from everything, you're on your way of becoming a well-rounded, wonderful person.
Tips
- Be true to yourself.
- Always try to look your best and stay healthy!
Warnings
- More expensive is not always better!
- Don't wear clothes that make you feel uncomfortable just to be different. Wear what looks good on you!
- Be careful about judging others on their looks, sometimes people aren't always what they seem!
