As someone who would be considered a Social Justice Warrior Snowflake by conservative standards, I think I'm a pretty progressive person. This isn't to say I'm not still learning, and this isn't to say that I don't have a long way to go, everyone does. I just think that I can pat myself on the back for being who I am.
That said, sometimes I have my own qualms about everything. Like, for example, I generalize men and straight people like crazy. I don't actually feel that it's all men or all straight people, it's just a joke to me, I find it funny. But sometimes I wonder if I go to far or if people think I'm annoying because of it. The answer would be yes to both of those, but I've never been one to actually care what others think of me. Regardless, this makes me wonder if I'm the embodiment of a "SJW" stereotype. If I'm the embodiment of a LGBT, feminist stereotype. And furthermore I am left wondering, from time to time, if we should smash stereotypes or embrace them.
I hate stereotypes, I really do. I hate that fat/chubby people carry the stereotype of lazy or unhealthy. Being overweight does not indicate either of those. I hate that there are stereotypes within the LGBT community. I hate the stereotypes for women. I hate stereotypes for people of color. Or disabled people.
There are a lot of stereotypes I hate. Therefore, the right answer would seem to be, "LET'S SMASH THOSE STEREOTYPES!"
Yes, let's! Let's prove that we are so much more than the stereotypes that bind us! That's what we are always told, that we should reject them and persist above them. And I agree! That's fantastic advice!
Except, wait. What about the stereotypes that people want to embrace, not only to prove that it's not bad to be a certain way, but to also annoy those who place the stereotypes onto us?
Like, so what if an overweight person eats four slices of pizza? We'll do it right in front of you to show you that you have no control over our bodies, and that even if you are right about your stereotypical view, we will prove to you that it's okay to be how we are and hopefully it will annoy you.
Or what about the stereotype that all LGBT people do is talk about being gay. Hello! I love talking about being gay, and so I'll embrace that stereotype and annoy the hell out of people.
Something I can't necessarily speak on are people of color embracing racial stereotypes as well.
I mean, also I love to take posed and artsy looking photos. I love to dress a certain way. I love to get iced coffee at obscure and hipster coffee places and Snapchat the entire experience and wouldn't that make me the living embodiment of a millennial stereotype? I love embracing that stereotype though, it's fun and I don't owe anyone an explanation...does that make any sense?
Regardless, it really does come down to whether or not we want to embrace the stereotypes that are placed on us, to prove that it's okay to be whoever you are no matter the stereotypes... or whether to smash the stereotypes to prove we are so much more than them.
I'll say this, I will always do the latter before the former, but there are definitely situations that call for embracing stereotypes. I do think it depends on the situation and the stereotype involved.
On the flip side, a healthy balance of the two might even be the best option for you. Whatever you chose to do though, do it not only to enjoy your own life, but also to annoy those who box you in because nothing feels better than proving them wrong.
