A stereotype can be defined as, “an idea that is used to describe a particular type of person or thing, or a person or thing thought to represent such an idea”. Many say that stereotyping is wrong and will only bring negativity while others argue stereotypes wouldn’t exist if there wasn’t some truth to them.

When you stereotype someone, you are taking an idea or characteristic and applying the concept to everyone in that population. It’s basically grouping individuals together and saying they’re all the exact same because of something they did or said.

Stereotypes can be harmful and driven by wanting to discriminate against others. We see people using these in our everyday lives. Specifically, students at this age experience high school stereotypes.

“The main stereotypes I see in high school are based on popularity, gender, appearance, and disability” said Senior, Alyssa Romano.

In life, we see people hating or judging those that are different from them and in high school it’s very common to see these stereotypes being given. Not only can stereotypes interfere with how students perform in school, but it can completely alter the way we think and view others for the rest of our lives.

“School and homework is a lot to deal with, but stereotyping makes school even harder. I want to go to school to be social and see my friends, but when kids are mean and stereotype it makes the social aspect of school terrible” said Sophomore, Sydney Brown.

Life is hard as it is, but when people tell you who you are and are placing you in a stereotype that doesn’t even align with who you are as an individual it gets harder.  This is important to address because it can lead to things like anxiety, confusion, depression, and division causing connection with others to dwindle.  

High school should be a fun time where students make good memories with their friends and classmates, not a place they feel judged and uncomfortable.