So I was bored and watching an old rerun of “The Amazing Race” on CBS tonight. There’s about nine or ten teams left, and while I’m not sure how many are left, I wish I could have seen the first episode of the season. I couldn’t help but laugh every time a saw some sort of stereotype confirmed on tonight’s show. Whether it was the gay dudes, the models, the cheerleaders, the black women, the couple, the white trash, or the handicapped, it was hilarious. Not that I’m laughing at these people for who they are, but I’m laughing at what they do that fits in so well with what, according to modern political correctness, paints an ugly and negative picture of whatever kind of group they belong to.
The overarching stereotype that really got me laughing though was one common to all of the contestants: the stupid, cultureless American. I mean really, stealing taxi cabs from Chinese locals and shouting out the window, “English? American?” is going to get you anywhere, or get the rest of the world to hate us any less?
So here’s the deal: I dare all of you to mention one stereotype that isn’t the least bit true. Before submitting though, test out the trueness of your stereotype by telling it in a joke to somebody. If they laugh, you know it’s at least partially true. If they’re offended, you know it’s completely true. You can even use this nifty template in Mad-Lib© style to help you out:
[group being stereotyped] are sooooo [adjective describing the trait] that [verb-phrase describing the trait, probably exaggerated a little bit].
Example, stereotyping my own heritage: Canadians are sooooo friendly that they say “no thanks” and politely explain why to a recorded telemarketing call.
Or just watch the show next time, or for that matter any reality show, especially all you “political correct” people out there. It’s hilarious.
Stereotypes are there for a reason, because it’s usually true. It’s as sure as white chicks at Cold Stone Creamery on a Friday night.
(From the thehumorarchives.com)
A woman walks into the downtown welfare office, trailed by 15 kids… “WOW,” the social worker exclaims, are they ALL YOURS???”
“Yep they are all mine,” the flustered momma sighs, having heard that question a thousand times before. She says, “Sit down Leroy” All the children rush to find seats.
“Well,” says the social worker, “then you must be here to sign up. I’ll need all your children’s names.”
“This one’s my oldest – he is Leroy.”
“OK, and who’s next?”
“Well, this one he is Leroy, also.”
The social worker raises an eyebrow but continues.
One by one, through the oldest four, all boys, all named Leroy. Then she
is introduced to the eldest girl, named Leighroy!
“All right,” says the caseworker. “I’m seeing a pattern here. Are they ALL
named Leroy?”
Their Momma replied,! “Well, yes-it makes it easier. When it is time to get them out of bed and ready for school, I yell, ‘Leroy!’ An’ when it’s time for dinner, I just yell ‘Leroy!’ an’ they all comes a running.’ An’ if I need to stop the kid who’s running into the street, I just yell ‘Leroy’ and all of them stop It’s the smartest idea I ever had, naming’ them all Leroy.”
The social worker thinks this over for a bit, then wrinkles her forehead and says tentatively, “But what if you just want ONE kid to come, and not the whole bunch?”
“I call them by their last names.”