"The whole idea of a stereotype is to simplify. Instead of going through the problem of all this great diversity - that it's this or maybe that - you have just one large statement; it is this."
"Once you allow yourself to identify with the people in a story, then you might begin to see yourself in that story even if on the surface it's far removed from your situation. This is what I try to tell my students: this is one great thing that literature can do - it can make us identify with situations and people far away."
-Chinua Achebe
I do storytelling. Most of my stories are with my Navajo culture, personal stories that are my normal life experiences as well my Veteran stories, then I do tell some mythology (all sorts), and southwest stories of the desert life.
Growing up as a minority I was more aware of stereotypes that were around me, especially those that pertained to me. I do believe that sharing stories, whatever they may be, makes the audience relate on some level. When people are able to relate then they are more acceptable to those they've held stereotypes against.
Well that's my Monday muttering. haha. I know it's not quite popular culture to talk about on here, but I'd thought I just *think out loud* on this one. Take it easy SG.