Stereotypes: Cajuns Of New Orleans

A stereotype is defined: “To believe unfairly that all people or things with a particular characteristic are the same.” Another definition is: “As a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.” There are numerous types of stereotypes based on dress, culture, sex, location, and race characteristics. They are oftentimes discriminatory in judgement. Even though, some stereotypes may have some truth to them, it is inexcusable to state all people in a specific area or similar characteristics are the same. When comparing stereotypes, it is easy to make judgements based on geographic locations and looks of some. People who judge people that live in the south, may see them as redneck hicks. They

In the bayou of Louisiana the natives have thick Cajun and French accents. They are specifically as being stereotyped as involved with black magic, voodoo dolls, obsessed with death, party animals, and chain smokers. New Orleans is below sea level. The graveyards are mostly comprised of above ground tombs, mausoleums, and crypts. They have intricate carvings and drawings on them that bring a lot of tourists to visit the cemeteries. But to place judgement on entire population of New Orleans as fascinated with death is degrading to them.

New Orleans is also known for Mardi Gras. It is a huge event for the town and also the state. Although, it is only once a year, the town continues to be known as a party city. This could be detrimental to some of the professional businesses in the area. New Orleans, like any other city, has a lot of residents that have moved from other parts of the country. You cannot judge an entire city, or location based on the cultures of the natives. Some people that have relocated to the area may adapt to the culture and conform to the ways of the natives, but not all will do

Numerous stereotypes are ignorant ideas of those who are different than they are. In the above cases, it would degrade and offend people to be stereotyped based on your location. People are stereotyped every day, not just on the location of where they are living, but any aspect that people are different from those making the judgement. People who cast stereotypes may just be uneducated about other cultures or geographic locations. It is easier, sometimes, for some to make a judgement, rather than find out what is true. It is unfair to be judged on geography and an accent. Instead, the ones that are accusatory, they need to research and learn more about these other