The Insanity of Stereotypes, Labels and Generalizations
I was filling out a job application and couldn’t help but feel violated because of the detailed information required. I’m going for something much higher paying than I have now which is understandable because of the collapsing economy. One thing on my mind is how people are stereotyped, labeled and categorized in modern society. Like many places, this one had me sit down at a computer to fill it out the application; there was no person to talk to, just an impersonal machine.
The collection of demographic information makes me feel uncomfortable. They first ask you to check a square by your race. Am I African American, Caucasian, Latin American and so on. I’m wondering what difference does it make? It was incredibly detailed - even asking if I had a tattoo and if so, where on my body it was as a picture of it would need to be taken. They required a highly detailed 12 year job history and required I give them permission to check my credit. I feel that is a violation of my constitutional rights. No employer has the right to peer into my private credit history. I had to give them permission to also do a criminal background check which I understand, but for this particular job, I felt was quite unnecessary.
Finally of course, they required a hair shaft drug screen, where they pluck several hairs from your scalp for spectroscopic chemical analysis. By the time I was done, I felt like I had been molested. You may be wondering what kind of job I was applying for. Surely it was to homeland security, the FBI or something extremely sensitive…right? No. It was a bartending job at the Beau Rivage Casino…hahaha! That is unbelievable isn’t it? Yes, it is an incredibly high paying job, but the requirements are ridiculous.
Modern society is based on shallow attitudes and ratings. We have learned to stereotype and rate people based on different criteria. We are being psychologically conditioned by mass media entertainment: she’s beautiful, he’s an asshole, those people are black, they’re racist, he’s a fundamental Christian bigot, she’s an atheist with no heart or soul and so forth. It’s so ingrained into our lives - we have become slaves to entertainment, religion, patriotism and many other labels.
I talked about how we do not realize how much power we truly have in my previous post on aikido. You live your life, do the best you can and become a slave to society itself. People have this take care of your own backyard mentality because there is nothing you can do to change anything. That’s true and exactly what our leaders want. They want you enslaved and helpless, watching TV, noodling on the web and on and on - all while a handful of super rich individuals have and own everything.
Think about this: You are a Christian parent with a five year old child. Religion and Jesus is everything to you and you’re teaching your child the same thing. Your neighbors are an atheist family with a five year old child. The atheist family believes that Jesus is a myth and never actually existed. They believe the bible is just a bunch of mythological stories plagiarized from other works that predate Christianity. Would you let your Christian child play with the atheist child? Would you be friends with the atheist family? What if the atheist parents told your young impressionable Christian child that nothing in the bible is true? Would you be upset? Of course you would, and chances are, you would not be friends with them. The point is, when religion or any view causes such a deep division among people, it ceases to be good. There are even fundamentalist atheists who think all religion should be outlawed. They are both wrong. I am part of no group and choose instead to be a free thinker, which is also a label and causes division. Isn’t life fun? 
Some people think a possible second American revolution is coming. I fully disagree with that. We are far too lazy and just don’t care enough to do anything about it. Have you heard the phrase, divide and conquer? That’s exactly what is going on in this world. We are all divided, not just geographically, but by race, religion, class and other means. The world is filled with problems, but at the heart of every single one of them is this division between us all.
These labels, stereotypes and shallow generalizations will never go away, but we have to live together and get along. We shouldn’t generalize anything. Some people generalize about Muslims which is ridiculous. They are all different depending on where they’re from and many other factors. It’s just like there are many types of Christians. People think Jewish people are tight with their money, Mexican people steal cars, British people have bad teeth, people from the southern United States commit incest - it goes on forever. Young girls feel ugly when they don’t fit the image of what popular magazines say is beautiful, which is so unsettling it makes me sick. In France, I believe “stick” models are banned from magazine commercials if I’m not mistaken. In America, such a law would be considered a violation of our freedom…hahaha! Go figure.
I don’t have the answers, just some observations. None of this stuff stresses me out any more, it doesn’t help anything, especially me. I was thinking about what could help me and my blog. Here are some ideas:
On The Lighter Side
- I need to get in the Oprah Winfrey studio audience or do something wrong and get sued on Judge Judy’s TV show. As soon as the mike got near my mouth I would say, “Revellian dot com…that’s r-e-v-e-l-l-i-a-n dot com,” over and over. I wouldn’t shut up until they arrested me gaining me national headlines. While basking in my 15 minutes of fame, I would go streaking down the streets of New York City screaming my website name. Following that, I would get a book deal and a spot on some sitcom. Hey…it’s a plan.
- If I could be spotted alone with Hillary Clinton and get someone to snap a photo, I would tell everyone I had sex with her. When asked by the media, I would say something smart like, “She was walking with a limp on cloud 9 when I got done with it.” I figure this site would get 10 million hits the day it happened. With 15 year old Miley Cyrus getting tons of attention because of her new racy pictures, I could do something similar. People don’t realize that her ploy was engineered specifically to garner massive press. Vanity Fair magazine got 5 million hits yesterday because of this. After all, isn’t any and all press, good press? Sorry to get off topic towards the end, but I didn’t want to end this post on a sad note.
* The picture is How to spot a psychopath! from Dan’s Data
* I actually wrote this post several months ago, one of many sitting unpublished. I added a little to it this morning so it would be better and more current.
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and the funniest part is,, ever since i started “looking like everyone else”…. they think i am “one of them!!!!!!” WTF??? they have no clue do they……. i swear.. i was talking to one of my customers who recently got a tattoo,, and mentioned that i have two rather large tattoo’s,, they are just placed so that they are not visible unless i choose to make them visible… i threw in the part about the 12 piercings,, and she was like,, “no way,, you just look so normal…….. ”
paisley’s last blog post..shameless self promotion
I like your idea of getting on Oprah or Judge Judy and repeating your blog over and over, spelling it out. It made me giggle, but hey, it’s a good idea!
teeni’s last blog post..Im Outta Here!
Hahaha…wow Paisley, and I thought you were this completely normal, extremely conservative fundamentalist
Just teasing! I have no tattoos or piercings because I would want them removed 5 minutes after I got them 
Well Teeni, I would probably not actually do that! Judge Judy would give me that evil look and lock me up. I probably couldn’t pass Oprah’s audience screening tests
Geesh, the least they could have done was to buy you dinner first.
I think we’ve become like cattle in a way — just following he herd that gives information about ourselves freely. When I go to the store and the cashier asks me to provide my phone number or zip code (something to enter for their records), I politely say no, I’d rather not be added to any lists. And the amazing thing? The transaction continues. Imagine that. If we push back on that, maybe they and others like them will get the message that it’s really not necessary.
Now, in this case of you applying to a job, I’m not sure you could get away with that. As you say, the background check and drug check are necessary, but some of that stuff, I wonder what would have happened if you had left it blank. The EEO information should have been optional, right?
Mark Sierra’s last blog post..Lead Blogging: Turning Opportunity into Leads
Thanks for reading Mark! I tried to leave several things blank, but the enter button wouldn’t work until everything was filled in. The computer actually verified my credit information before the application was completed! I also had to digitally sign a document agreeing I could be fired without explanation. It’s the state law that an employer does not have to disclose why you are terminated. If you ask like 3 times, I’m sure they would call the cops and have me escorted off premises right into a jail cell.
The computer impersonally takes your information, and spits it back out to its corporate masters, who sit back and play with the numbers based on whatever stereotypes they can use to exploit everyone and make more money.
The alternative is to apply for a job with a person. The person will then meat you, and being human, will probably instantly stereotype you on some level. That person will then take down your information, and take it back to their corporate masters, who will crunch the numbers and use them to exploit everyone.
The difference is you can make the human like you, so if your a likeable person, youll do better with the human
Another great post Bobby, you are putting into words a sublimation of the most essential issues that are shamefully neglected. This is how it should be addressed - that’s why I love your blog, keep it up man, your are doing a tremendous job.
Jasko’s last blog post..The Look Study Painting
Very few jobs where I live allow you to meet anyone during the application process, so the computer is all you get! If I fit the politically correct demographics of what they have to hire to conform to employment laws, then I may be called in for an interview.
With just a computer to interact with, getting the job is really a matter of luck. If your particulars fit what they need at the moment, your in. If they’re looking for a 22 year old girl or a 75 year old bilingual man with sailing experience, your out of luck
Wow Bobby what a fabulous post. I have just started back again this week and you were definitely on my list to visit. And as always you have proven yourself to be quite an amazing individual.
I won’t pussy foot around with this issue either in my reply. We all know exactly,(well at least some of us do)what has been taking place in and around the coast of LA. since Katrina. It is obvious to anyone that dare say it that there is a definite push to move the black population out. After they accomplish this to their satisfaction then the levees will be fixed properly and all of that golden coastal area will belong to the wealthy. Of course, I will now be stereotyped as a bleeding heart liberal for making that statement.
What is truly odd about all of this is, that I could have answered every single question you asked and fit the profile perfectly to a tee that they are looking for. Geezzz…..I hold a F.B.I. clearance now so that I can ride with Walter. You have to now after 911 to enter military bases, chemical plants, and so forth. And, I suffer from chronic PTSD,Anxiety, and I am an agorophobic. I am in fact declared disabled by my Dr. over the past ten years.
I am white, no tatoos, no criminal record, credit okay, already hold a F.B.I. clearance, and I am an experienced bartender. I made my living bartending for years. Yet, if given the job, I am perfectly capable of losing it with some jerk and instead of serving he or she, I would throw it in their face.
I for one continue to hope that more and more Americans will wake up and see the real truth. But, as you stated here so very well, facing the truth about yourself is the hardest step of all to take.
Bravo for you for writing this. Hey I am certified by my shrink. If I ever get on Oprah or Judge Judy I will do it for you. My DR. would make sure that I got released from jail and hey I can handle a two week stay in the hospital.
Shinade’s last blog post..Ah Ha That’s What I Thought
Thanks so much J.C., that really means a lot to me!
Really, this is at the very core of almost every problem, and it ignored by the public. People truly don’t care about it, which is the other half of the problem. I came to a realization that I cannot make people understand the truth, they have too many things distracting them, such as the garbage on TV as mentioned in your post!
Very true! Te best way to get these jobs is to personally know someone who works there - especially if they have some pull. Thanks so much for reading and commenting
Hola Bobby! I’m glad u didn’t end the post on a sad note. Are u looking for another job? All the best in your job hunt and it was great to see u at my site today! Hope u’re keeping well!
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Hi Jackie! After Katrina hit, I noticed most of the news was covering New Orleans, but the hurricane hit Mississippi - where most of the real destruction occurred. I will say this, New Orleans got more media attention because the government failed to help them fast enough, so I do understand. New Orleans was 79% black population and that’s EXACTLY why they didn’t get help. isn’t that horrible? It should never be forgotten.
You’re not a bleeding heart liberal, just a person who cares. I no longer use terminology such as liberal, conservative etc. None of us are really one or the other - it’s so much more complex than that nowadays. It’s just another label for society to thrown on us, thus dividing people even further. We all need to come together…haha! That sounds so much like a far fetched, totally unrealistic fantasy.
If I really did get on Oprah, I would probably be really nice and be so nervous I would forget to mention my site! Thanks so much for reading
Thanks Marzie! I wrote this post a few months ago when I was looking for a new job, so it’s actually not totally accurate. Have a great weekend coming up
Hi Bobby- my girl Hillary did call tonight and say you are that good- so I will vouch for that (in fact she wouldn’t stop talking about it.) I hear Bill is looking for you now and he is pretty tough with his fists so I would be slightly worried…
Actually- I just came over here because I heard your pics were in Vanity Fair. So I am a little disappointed that they are not. Great post!
Hahaha! Thanks Michelle, tell Hillary I was a little disappointed and I wish she had shaved her legs
My Vanity Fair shots don’t come out ’till next week! You actually cracked me up and I have been in a terrible mood today. Thanks for helping me out of my funk 
I would be very inclined to answer “Homo Sapien” to the race question - a generalization that would not offend anyone apart from the neanderthals who composed the application form
Sueblimely’s last blog post..Blogosphere News 28th April 08
Hey Bobby, you know, what anybody thinks of me is really none of my business
They are entitled to think and feel exactly the way they do. That’s free thinking, right? I don’t live my life by what others think. I don’t expect others to think and feel the way I do. Everyone has their own “take” on any given subject or situation. I can choose to tolerate differences or not. And so can everyone else. If I disagree with someone I can respectfully do so, or I can go to war over it. There are consequences for every decision.
As far as the job application goes…it’s a CASINO, Buddy. That is EXACTLY why they are so stringent with the application process. Lots of money changes hands and they certainly don’t want to employ anybody who is fronting for a terrorist organization…not HERE! No money laundering allowed
Hi Robin! Free thinking means that I do not limit my thoughts to one school of thought. I listen to and accept everyone. If someone believes a certain religion, I completely accept them. I don’t keep my mouth shut and hold in how I really feel - because I don’t have a feeling to hide. I think most people may say they tolerate others, but inside they don’t, so they just don’t say anything. I truly let go of all hatred in my heart and only know love.
The casino i applied to is the only one I know of that does a credit check, the other 9 here do not. They are not checking credit because of terrorism or money laundering, it is because they are a “high class” casino and want to make sure the employees are “high class” so they will blend with the high class customers. The bartenders do not handle any money at all, only the tips they get - all the drinks are free for every customer.
They don’t check everyone’s credit, like the gaming dealers for instance and people in charge of the money! They only check bartenders, waitresses and security guards credit, which makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. Have a wonderful day
Hi Sue! It’s all about control and stripping away people’s rights. The idea of terrorism has been blown way out of proportion, and our government uses it in the form of spreading fear to control people - people are allowing it to happen which I find offensive. America is becoming a totalitarian police state.
asking about her time the next day she said..everyone had an amazing time but the boy with Ali was a real mess..thinking it had to do with race I was shocked..why I asked..well gee Nana she said he was bragging about how he and his friends do drugs and drink..he is nothing like my other friends..maybe he was just showing off I said..nope she answered other boys know him and they said it’s true..Ali dates lots of other kids of mixed or different race,,but we don’t understand where she got him!!!I was so relieved..last night we saw her inducted into National honor..I cried….So many kids today are a mess..the whole damn world is a mess..I don’t know the answer..I don’t even know the questions anymore…
OMG great post Bobby! That application process does seem invasive doesn’t it? They’d better hire you after all of that! Geez.
When listing stereotypes you forgot to mention the “blonds are dumb” one. I was a brunette up until a while ago when I dyed my hair blond. I went from being treated normally to being treated like an idiot. I almost couldn’t believe it! It’s women that do it, that’s what gets me.
I’ve already emailed judge Judy, now all I have to do is make up a Christy’s Coffee Break t-shirt to wear on the show. Oh yeah, and I need somebody to sue, lol.
Christy’s last blog post..Sexy Saturday - Smokin’ Hot Firefighters
I agree with you on the part about companies stereotyping potential employees but I disagree with you on the religion thing (which I’d rather avoid getting into).
I quit working for other companies 1.5 years ago and starting working for myself. I cannot stand the fact that a lot of companies actually do put their employees in different categories. I was sick of being treated like I was a puppet. Now a days you have to go through huge interviews and background checks just to get a simple job anywhere. Even companies like blockbuster (who pay you nearly nothing) have you answer 50 million personal questions.
Anyway I got sick of it and made an oath that I’d work for myself the rest of my life. I’m sick of making other companies rich. If I put in 10 years somewhere what do I get in return? A retirement salary? LOL No thanks.
Anyway…yeah I agree with what you are saying there.
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Hi Maunie, I’m really glad to hear it turned out to be about drugs and not race. Nowadays, the drugs are so prevalent, kids are lucky if they make it through high school without getting addicted. No matter how bad the world gets, we must still stay positive and do the best we can. All you can do is teach children to be good people and to know the dangers all around them. How great she is an national honor student! Thanks so much for reading
Hi Christy! I’m surprised they didn’t give me a rubber glove examination, video tape it and put the illicit video tape in a secret safe so they could blackmail me later! You were actually treated differently because of your hair color? I give up Christy, I am too tired to complain anymore…hahaha
Hi Kaile, I understand all about not wanting to talk about religion. I think religion is great, unless it is taken to an extreme and breeds intolerance, but I think most people aren’t extreme.
Blockbuster shouldn’t need anything but your name and SSN - they don’t need more than that. All jobs are like that now, and it’s getting out of hand. You’re so right. The bigger a corporation is, the less important the employees are. Good luck with your business!Thanks so much for reading
It’s weird how posts in draft can sound very outdated when posted not on the due date isn’t it?
Great post, fortunately here in Mauritius people do not generalize things too much, we are a bit of a multiracial country and it feels great. I’ve had friends from all religions since kindergarten and never really had any clash with anyone about this matter. IMO the best thing that can help people stay united is respect but ego sometimes just get on top of people’s head…
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We are a multiracial country too, but there is so much racism here - it’s so sad. You are exactly right about ego. I know many white people here who dislike me because I like all people from all races and religions and don’t judge any of them. Mauritius sounds like it’s far ahead of us in getting along with one another
Thanks so much Ruby