Assumptions and Stereotypes (Part 2)
Now lets turn the table around and take a look at a few of the views held by SOME of the Plautdietsch Mennonites of Spanish Lookout and Blue Creek towards the other cultures around them.
Watch out for black people: if there is any phrase that really makes me mad, it is to hear a Plautdietsch Mennonite say, "Watch out for that black guy." I will not deny the fact that some cultures seem more prone to crime than others. Also, I am not a phsychologist to explain why it is that the Creole culture has been the most impacted by this trait. However, there are many Plautdietsch Mennonites who do not hold prejudices and simply take people at face value no matter what color or culture they're from. I have relatives, co-workers, and very good friends who have coal black skin yet they are honest, hardworking individuals with high moral standards.
Spanish boys and men are big flirts: this might sound funny, but it is a very real fear held by some Plautdietsch parents with teenage daughters who work in exposed places. There have been cases where Spanish boys have left a Plautdietsch girl pregnant then later moved out of her life. Other times, Spanish boys simply enjoy flirting with naive Plautdietsch girls, introducing them to the darker things of life. (clearing my throat) But there are also those Spanish boys who despite being a flirt, actually married the girl and have remained faithful, decent husbands.
Spanish & Creole don't know how to save money: this is true in some ways. But before we judge, let's briefly look at their culture. In most Spanish, Creole, and Maya households, an item belongs to the family, not to the person. I know some Plautdietsch Mennonites who do not hesitate to charge their own dad or grandpa a high sum for doing them a favor. But among other cultures, they are usually very reluctant to charge for favors, specially to a relative. Also, people from these cultures are more likely to use their money on food and snacks to share with friends and relatives as compared to most Plautdietsch people.
Spanish and black people are noisy and careless: most Plautdietsch Mennonites are not used to loud, boisterous laughing, everybody talking at once, people piling up around a food table, incessant music booming out of the stereo, etc.
Watch out for black people: if there is any phrase that really makes me mad, it is to hear a Plautdietsch Mennonite say, "Watch out for that black guy." I will not deny the fact that some cultures seem more prone to crime than others. Also, I am not a phsychologist to explain why it is that the Creole culture has been the most impacted by this trait. However, there are many Plautdietsch Mennonites who do not hold prejudices and simply take people at face value no matter what color or culture they're from. I have relatives, co-workers, and very good friends who have coal black skin yet they are honest, hardworking individuals with high moral standards.
Spanish boys and men are big flirts: this might sound funny, but it is a very real fear held by some Plautdietsch parents with teenage daughters who work in exposed places. There have been cases where Spanish boys have left a Plautdietsch girl pregnant then later moved out of her life. Other times, Spanish boys simply enjoy flirting with naive Plautdietsch girls, introducing them to the darker things of life. (clearing my throat) But there are also those Spanish boys who despite being a flirt, actually married the girl and have remained faithful, decent husbands.
Spanish & Creole don't know how to save money: this is true in some ways. But before we judge, let's briefly look at their culture. In most Spanish, Creole, and Maya households, an item belongs to the family, not to the person. I know some Plautdietsch Mennonites who do not hesitate to charge their own dad or grandpa a high sum for doing them a favor. But among other cultures, they are usually very reluctant to charge for favors, specially to a relative. Also, people from these cultures are more likely to use their money on food and snacks to share with friends and relatives as compared to most Plautdietsch people.
Spanish and black people are noisy and careless: most Plautdietsch Mennonites are not used to loud, boisterous laughing, everybody talking at once, people piling up around a food table, incessant music booming out of the stereo, etc.
