Scientifics

Avoiding Stereotypes: More than Just a Nerdy Brainiac
Jenna Hathaway

What is stereotyping? It is basically an act of generalizing people; to divide them into several basic categories, and it happens a lot in our everyday life. The simplest example is the usual stereotypes in high school, which I'm sure most of us are very familiar of. At the very least, the population would be divided into two categories: the popular or the 'in-crowd' (cheerleaders, jocks, preps, party-goers), and the not so popular ones (the nerds, the misunderstood, the 'dare to be different' kids).

You'd think that in the magical world, all this would not be a problem. But it turns out that life in Hogwarts, unfortunately, isn't free of stereotypes either. It's everywhere, people! You don't believe me? Well, answer this then: How many times have you heard other students refer to us Ravenclaws simply as the "brainiacs," "the smart students," or "future Einstein and Einsteinettes?"

You're probably asking, "but isn't that a good thing? A praise? That the ones who should worry are the Slytherins and Hufflepuffs, who tend to get misunderstood as the house of future Death Eaters and the house of pushovers, respectively?" No! Those titles that we get sound good, but what you might not realize is that they could dangerously lead to other labels, and those labels are what most smart people are closely associated to: "the nerds" or "the geeks."

Now, do I get your attention? We are more than just nerdy brainiacs! Say no to these stereotypes, because being smart doesn't mean we're not cool. Each of us is unique, and not one of us has only a single trait like that. Smart is just a part of our personality, it doesn't define us. I believe when the Four Founders created the four houses, they didn't intend to create stereotypes, despite the outcome today.

Unfortunately, avoiding stereotypes isn't an easy task. A good writing advice can be put into use here: "Show, don't tell." Show that you are more than what people think of you. These are a few advice about what you can do to avoid being generalized:

1. Don't hang out in the library, socialize! Yes, I know most of us love books and the library is probably our favorite place. But try to vary your hang-out spots a little bit, and don't forget to socialize more with your fellow students.

2. Be unique. Challenge yourself and participate in events other than competitions relating to school subjects. If you love flying, why don't you try out for Ravenclaw's Quidditch Team? If you're artsy and creative, why don't you sign up for that graphic competition? There's another Triwizard Tournament? Show your bravery and participate! You have other talents, and like they say, if you've got it, flaunt it!

3. Keep up to date with your appearances, fashion is not that boring. No, honestly!

4. The same goes for other kind of news, entertainment, and what's the "in" thing. Sometimes it's necessary to know the latest gossips about what those celebrities are doing with their lives.

5. Last but not least, don't act "exclusive." Yes, I know you prefer to study with your fellow Ravenclaws because studying is what most of us love to do. But try to mingle with students from other houses too to avoid the "snob" label. Be a friendly, smart friend and help others out with your intelligence! Someone needs tutoring? Another student doesn't understand a particular subject? Offer your help!

Now some of you probably think, but I am not even that smart to begin with! Nobody would ever consider me as a nerdy brainiac, a title I wouldn't mind at all compared to being a shame to the Ravenclaw house because I'm not nearly smart enough. Stop this way of thinking right now, especially if you're starting to doubt the Sorting Hat has placed you in the right house! Everybody is special. By thinking that you're not worthy of being a Ravenclaw just because you don't get Outstanding for all of your OWLs is, in a way, an act of stereotyping too. Believe in yourself that you have other great qualities that Rowena Ravenclaw values. And just be happy that you don't have to run away from the classic Ravenclaw stereotype like most of us!

This goes to other houses as well. It's time for Hufflepuffs to stand up for themselves and declare they're more than just pushovers, and Gryffindors to fight against people who think they always act before thinking, as well as Slytherins to show that they're not just a bunch of evil-villain-wannabes. Show who you really are, and let your true unique personality shine.

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Notes The Alte Sententiam is Ravenclaw's running newspaper. Alte Sententiam means 'Higher Thoughts' and its current co-editors-in-chief are Chloe Fairchilde and Cassandra Lobiesk. Articles Mythos of the Unicorn The Moon's Madness Scientifics Avoiding Stereotypes Reviews Heroes, the New Television Phenomenon Contests These submissions were from the BBO run during November and December. Team Sensuous SENSA Team Flitwick's Flock Team Soaring Six Team The Talons Team Silver Crumpets Specials These ads have been provided by Professor Ulol Kimil, please contact him if you have any information on the missing objects. Lost: Maya's Brain Poem Showcase Dance of the Night Info Updates Archives FAQ Staff The Roost HOL Points The points breakdown is as follows (per issue): Article Submission: 5 points for each published (not to exceed 20) Graphics Submission: 5 points for each published (not to exceed 20) Editors: Up to 30 points	Scientifics Avoiding Stereotypes: More than Just a Nerdy Brainiac Jenna Hathaway What is stereotyping? It is basically an act of generalizing people; to divide them into several basic categories, and it happens a lot in our everyday life. The simplest example is the usual stereotypes in high school, which I'm sure most of us are very familiar of. At the very least, the population would be divided into two categories: the popular or the 'in-crowd' (cheerleaders, jocks, preps, party-goers), and the not so popular ones (the nerds, the misunderstood, the 'dare to be different' kids). You'd think that in the magical world, all this would not be a problem. But it turns out that life in Hogwarts, unfortunately, isn't free of stereotypes either. It's everywhere, people! You don't believe me? Well, answer this then: How many times have you heard other students refer to us Ravenclaws simply as the "brainiacs," "the smart students," or "future Einstein and Einsteinettes?" You're probably asking, "but isn't that a good thing? A praise? That the ones who should worry are the Slytherins and Hufflepuffs, who tend to get misunderstood as the house of future Death Eaters and the house of pushovers, respectively?" No! Those titles that we get sound good, but what you might not realize is that they could dangerously lead to other labels, and those labels are what most smart people are closely associated to: "the nerds" or "the geeks." Now, do I get your attention? We are more than just nerdy brainiacs! Say no to these stereotypes, because being smart doesn't mean we're not cool. Each of us is unique, and not one of us has only a single trait like that. Smart is just a part of our personality, it doesn't define us. I believe when the Four Founders created the four houses, they didn't intend to create stereotypes, despite the outcome today. Unfortunately, avoiding stereotypes isn't an easy task. A good writing advice can be put into use here: "Show, don't tell." Show that you are more than what people think of you. These are a few advice about what you can do to avoid being generalized: 1. Don't hang out in the library, socialize! Yes, I know most of us love books and the library is probably our favorite place. But try to vary your hang-out spots a little bit, and don't forget to socialize more with your fellow students. 2. Be unique. Challenge yourself and participate in events other than competitions relating to school subjects. If you love flying, why don't you try out for Ravenclaw's Quidditch Team? If you're artsy and creative, why don't you sign up for that graphic competition? There's another Triwizard Tournament? Show your bravery and participate! You have other talents, and like they say, if you've got it, flaunt it! 3. Keep up to date with your appearances, fashion is not that boring. No, honestly! 4. The same goes for other kind of news, entertainment, and what's the "in" thing. Sometimes it's necessary to know the latest gossips about what those celebrities are doing with their lives. 5. Last but not least, don't act "exclusive." Yes, I know you prefer to study with your fellow Ravenclaws because studying is what most of us love to do. But try to mingle with students from other houses too to avoid the "snob" label. Be a friendly, smart friend and help others out with your intelligence! Someone needs tutoring? Another student doesn't understand a particular subject? Offer your help! Now some of you probably think, but I am not even that smart to begin with! Nobody would ever consider me as a nerdy brainiac, a title I wouldn't mind at all compared to being a shame to the Ravenclaw house because I'm not nearly smart enough. Stop this way of thinking right now, especially if you're starting to doubt the Sorting Hat has placed you in the right house! Everybody is special. By thinking that you're not worthy of being a Ravenclaw just because you don't get Outstanding for all of your OWLs is, in a way, an act of stereotyping too. Believe in yourself that you have other great qualities that Rowena Ravenclaw values. And just be happy that you don't have to run away from the classic Ravenclaw stereotype like most of us! This goes to other houses as well. It's time for Hufflepuffs to stand up for themselves and declare they're more than just pushovers, and Gryffindors to fight against people who think they always act before thinking, as well as Slytherins to show that they're not just a bunch of evil-villain-wannabes. Show who you really are, and let your true unique personality shine.