Many people love their cultures and celebrate their gratitude and emotions. But through the years of experience, many cultures have been receiving different stereotypes based off their race. People have been throwing titles at others and expect them to fit their stereotypes. It hurts lots of people’s expectations because the stereotypes are not always true.

16 year old Diamond Aiono embraces her Polynesian culture. She said, “I believe there are stereotypes because in the past, there were certain races that could only do certain things. So then they believe that all the people a part of the race can do them.”

Aiono has been stereotyped by people automatically believing she plays a sport just because she’s Polynesian. At the time she wasn’t, but people would also question why she doesn’t. She wants everyone to believe that she is also just like everyone else, that she does a lot but just for her own joy in it.

15 year old Princess Ballesteros enjoys her Filipino culture and takes pride in it. Growing up she was always been receiving multiple stereotypes about what she eats, how she lives, and also her height. “Lots of people say us Filipinos are always short, but that’s not always true.” Ballesteros says.

Ballesteros says people comment all the time about how short she is and how people would say, “Are you going to take a bath?” Because it’s a stereotype that Filipinos don’t bathe. I asked her what is something she wants everyone else to know about her culture that will get rid of the stereotypes, and she said, “I want everyone to know that my culture’s just like everyone else. We do take care of ourselves” and that all the stereotypes she’s received are not all true and are not always accurate.

Braxton Bates is a 16 year old guy who doesn’t receive lots of stereotypes, but still believes they’re wrong. He is Hawaiian and Caucasian from his parents.

“In the past, there are some races that could do things, so it stuck and now everyone believes they’re true.”says Bates.  

Bates wants everyone to know that all cultures are unique but in other ways, similar. That they are the way they are by their own selves.

There are many people being judged on their race and culture, and it affects their daily lives. Stop assuming they are what you hear about, because they are not always right.