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Old 04-17-2009, 02:07 AM   #1
Pyre
 
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Stereotype Threat

Do you ever fear that your behavior will confirm stereotypes about you because of the groups you identify with? If so, what kind of stereotypes are you most concerned about?

For example, I don't tell people that some of the items I own, such as my Depeche Mode shirt, Siouxsie shirt, and various Goth rock compilation CDs were purchased at Hot Topic because of stereotypes on both ends: to the general public, that HT is where goths shop, and to goths, that HT is where "posers" shop.

(For the record, I will be using responses as examples of stereotype threat for a project due for my social psychology class, but identities will be confidential.)

This, unlike my other project, is not limited to self-identified goths. Anyone is welcome to share.
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Old 04-17-2009, 02:22 AM   #2
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As long as one doesn't attempt to fit the stereotype, I don't see why it matters. Stereotypes are of little importance to me.
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Old 04-17-2009, 02:45 AM   #3
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It matters because stereotype threat is a real problem. People act differently because they're afraid of being stereotyped, and it's not limited to subcultures. I could find you the PDF I was required to read about it, but it's long and boring.

The main findings were basically that females performed worse on math exams when told that there were gender differences in the results from previous tests, but they performed as well as males when they were told there were no previous gender distinctions. Another finding in the article was of a black man stating he was afraid to wait behind someone at the ATM because of his race.
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Old 04-17-2009, 02:48 AM   #4
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I try not to tell people that I recently purchased a derelict mansion overlooking a London asylum, or that my first mansion had a horrible crack running from the foundation to the ramparts and eventually crumbled into the moat. I usually also deny owning 2 homes on the Yorkshire Moors because few people would understand why I choose to live in the decrepit ranch style home and rent out the nicer place. I'm also reluctant to discuss my Italian castle, my vacation home in Norderney or my weekend holidays on a remote Indian island.

Nobody would believe me. A good sound head for real estate isn't considered gothic, so I just tell people I listen to Bauhaus and wear Demonia boots.
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Old 04-17-2009, 02:51 AM   #5
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Man in Room 5, how am I to believe I can interview you for my other project if you cannot post seriously for this one?
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Old 04-17-2009, 02:54 AM   #6
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What do you mean I'm not serious? That post was a fine display of subcultural capital wasn't it--a display of knowledge that said "I'm more goth than you"? Find another Gnet member who can name every gothic reference in that post without Googling them.
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Old 04-17-2009, 02:57 AM   #7
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This isn't about subcultural capital, it's about stereotype threat.
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Old 04-17-2009, 02:59 AM   #8
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Also, the first one was Dracula, and the second, if I am not mistaken, was a work of Poe's.

"The Fall of the House of Usher" I believe.
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Old 04-17-2009, 03:23 AM   #9
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OK...serious....umm...lemme try this. I'm not sure this relates to stereotypes exactly. Depends on how you interpret it I guess.

I went shopping at a pawn shop yesterday and bought 5 CDs. They were:

Leatherstrip--Legacy of Hate & Lust
Lou Reed--Magic & Loss
Paradise Lost--Gothic
Garbage--Bleed Like Me
My Chemical Romance--Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge

I'm not a big Paradise Lost fan but I bought the CD just because it's called Gothic. I mean, how can I pass that up; especially since it was only $3 and yesterday was payday? The Garbage CD completes my collection and I have all their CDs now but I made sure to buy them all used because I don't want to give my money to a mallgoth band and if people accuse me of being mallgoth I can tell them I bought them all used and cheap so how could I resist (which is true). The same logic applies to my buying MCR. This is the 1st MCR CD I ever bought because they're just mallgoth sellouts and I wouldn't have gotten it at all except that it was $3 too.

Basically, there are bands or products that I want because of their "gothness" but which I refuse to buy new because I'm very conscious of where my money goes and who I'm supporting by spending it. OTOH, I buy some CDs new specifically to support those bands or because they seem more genuinely goth and less mallgoth. Many of my friends shop the same way.

What does that say about my relation to the goth stereotype? I'm not sure either. Perhaps there is a desire to own/participate in typically mallgoth things while at the same time finding ways to distance yourself from them or justify your interest in them?
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Old 04-17-2009, 04:09 AM   #10
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I hate the stereotype that because I'm 14, I'm rude and 'yobbish' and because I dress a certain way, I'm a druggie and a depressed freak.

I always try to break these by being a polite, active member of the community.
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Old 04-17-2009, 05:21 AM   #11
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For some reason, I become extremely self- conscious when entering "gothic" stores (like this record shop we have here, or a clothes shop that targets its stuff mainly toward goths, metalheads, emos, punks and similar alternative people). I don´t know why, but I think it is because I know that people will stereotype me. Or that the alternative people will somehow deem me a poser or not "goth enough". I know it´s ridiculous, but those are rather instinctive reactions to the situation that pop up in my head. In general, I don´t mind stereotypes, but I don´t like them applied to *me*.
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Old 04-17-2009, 08:11 AM   #12
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Usually, I don't care much what people think of me, what labels they put onto me and what stereotypes I might or might not fill.
The only time I feel out of my skin like that is when I have to wear coloured clothing, and that is only because it isn't me. But unfortunately, some areas of society that I would like to enter requires me to drop my trenchcoat.
Usually, I don't mind, but when I see other "alternatives" walking past me, I can't help but to self-compare in some way. But then I remember that I know where my roots are, and so I feel that I can take on the world.
Does that at all make sense?
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Old 04-17-2009, 08:27 AM   #13
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Usually, I don't care much what people think of me, what labels they put onto me and what stereotypes I might or might not fill.
I agree with him. I used to be much more concerend with what other people think, now I don't. I've found friends who enjoy most of the stuff I like and they'll support me no matter what.
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Old 04-17-2009, 08:33 AM   #14
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When I was younger and more impressionable I used to be a bit self-conscious whenever I went into a shop geared towards the goth subculture. This was not because I was afraid of being labeled as a goth, but rather, because on the whole my daily style was not what is perceived as being stereotypically goth. In other words, when compared to other people in the shop, particularly the clerks, I would find myself feeling more like a non-goth. On the other hand, on more than one occasion I had friends and fellow students ask me if I was a goth, and I was not comfortable giving a straight answer either way.

However, I became more accustomed to the idea that not all goths attire and comport themselves in the same fashion. I no longer considered nor cared what anyone might think, whether that I was too goth or not goth enough, based on my behavior, dressing and buying habits.

That being said, I will not deny that certain stereotypical goth themes, such as black clothing, vampires (put your minds at ease, I do not and have not ever believed that I am one), and dark love stories are naturally appealing to me. However, I will not go out of my way to do and buy things that would make me seem more goth, especially if I am not predisposed to fancying such things to begin with. Whatever other people feel about my preferences, well, anymore I don't much concern myself with them.
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Old 04-17-2009, 08:49 AM   #15
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I can understand about not wanting to give a straight answer when someone asks if I am goth or not, simply because I wear a lot of black, and I don't want them thinking that that is truly how goths dress. It particularly bothers me because they assume I am goth because I wear a lot of black, and I don't like giving them a straight answer to justify their stereotypes. It doesn't occur much anymore, but it was very common in high school. The closest thing I have encountered is recently a guy in a class of mine asked me if I owned any non-black clothing, despite the fact I wear non-black t-shirt and jeans on frequent occasion (especially when my Pokémon shirt is clean =D).

Actually, only two of my friends, maybe three, even acknowledge that I could be considered goth, but that may be due to the fact I hang out with a bunch of metalheads and have an extensive metal collection myself.
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Old 04-17-2009, 09:02 AM   #16
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I think you worry too much about stereotypes.
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Old 04-17-2009, 09:12 AM   #17
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I am trying to give people something to relate to so that I will stop receiving "I don't care about stereotypes" messages. That is not the point of this thread.

Is it so uncommon to worry about being judged? People often act a certain way, without even realizing it, to avoid negative judgment. I personally just suffer from a lot of self-esteem and confidence issues, so yes, I worry too much about stereotypes.
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"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" The Bible (Matthew 7:12)
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Old 04-17-2009, 09:13 AM   #18
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I think you worry too much about stereotypes.
I think perhaps your assessment is slightly unfair. The person in question did state that this was part of an academic project about stereotypes, so their interest in others' opinions on the subject is somewhat justified.
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Old 04-17-2009, 09:59 AM   #19
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I'm going to say that everything I have comes from London (or some other Pretentious Goth type city) . Even my Hot Topic Stuff is from the London store (do they even HAVE HT in London?)

XD

lol

I don't care what people think about what/where I buy really. If the thing someone wears is in bad taste, it doesn't really matter where they purchased it.
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Old 04-17-2009, 10:08 AM   #20
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Pyre: If you are that worried about being perceived as a stereotypical Goth, then change your style. Otherwise, stop worrying so much about whether or not you're going to give off the wrong vibe.

Also, be aware that you simply can't control what people think. Some folks are just naturally angry, bitter, and picky, and nothing you do will please them. OTOH, there are those who will like you no matter what fashion sense or musical style you have. Thus, just try to be yourself, and enjoy what you enjoy. And, if someone asks you if you're Goth, say, "No, I'm not. I just like this outfit/music."

HavelockV: I'm basing my assessment largely on the fact that many of Pyre's statements seemed personal rather than academic. I didn't mean to offend, merely advise.

I used to worry a LOT about what other people thought of me, until I realized that some folks aren't pleased with anything, and others will like me no matter what I wear or listen to. After realizing that, I was able to relax and just be myself. ^_^
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Old 04-17-2009, 10:22 AM   #21
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A friend of mine is reluctant to call himself a socialist and doesn't want to become vegetarian because he feels he would be seen as that type of college student.
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Old 04-17-2009, 11:14 AM   #22
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I have learned that if I avoid making a stereotypical first impression, my opinions and other comments are more likely to be listened to with more care, so I try to avoid being seen as a stereotypical middle aged man; people seem to be more "interactive" when they do not know what to expect of you. I am speaking of course of new acquaintances, those who already know me can of course make fair predictions of what I may say or think.
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Old 04-17-2009, 11:32 AM   #23
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It matters because stereotype threat is a real problem. People act differently because they're afraid of being stereotyped, and it's not limited to subcultures. I could find you the PDF I was required to read about it, but it's long and boring.

The main findings were basically that females performed worse on math exams when told that there were gender differences in the results from previous tests, but they performed as well as males when they were told there were no previous gender distinctions. Another finding in the article was of a black man stating he was afraid to wait behind someone at the ATM because of his race.
If people are going to act differently because of stereotypes, they're going to do so whether or not I care about it. So I see no reason to waste my time caring about it.
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Old 04-17-2009, 12:09 PM   #24
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Usually people tend to label me as a ''satanist''.Exemple : This year I moved into a new class and everybody avoided me at first.[Some of them still do -_-]After a week or so they started asking me stupid questions like ''So...Why do you worship Satan?'' and I tryed to explain to them that I don't but it didn't work so then I asked them ''Why do you think I worship Satan?'' and they replied with the usual bullshit ''Well....you dress in black,you have black makeup,your friends are weird,you always draw scarry things at the end of your notebooks and you look scarry." Some of them accepted me but some of them are still scared of me and don't talk to me [idiots] .I try to be friendly and prove them wrong but they won't even look at me when I talk to them.That is not the only stereotype but it sure is the most annoying one and I have to deal with it every day not only at school but on the streets or in the subway or in the park.
Yesterday I was waiting for a friend of mine and some dumbass taxi driver started shouting at me ''It's a SIN to dress like that just before Easter you're going to burn in Hell for this!'' wtf? I know a girl who dresses in pink and loves Rihanna and she knows more things about the occult than most idiots who wear black and pretend to worship Satan.
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Old 04-17-2009, 02:42 PM   #25
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A friend of mine is reluctant to call himself a socialist and doesn't want to become vegetarian because he feels he would be seen as that type of college student.
I think I've actually seen this the most in my college atmosphere, to include someone not wanting to call themselves straightedge as well.
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