STEREOTYPING OF SINGLES CONTINUES EVEN IN TRAGIC TIMES
These thoughts are purely the blunt, no nonsense personal opinions of the author and are not intended to provide personal or financial advice.
It is interesting how tragic events like the Fort McMurray fires in Alberta, Canada can produce many emotions. The emotions can range from spectrum of profound gratefulness for being alive to debasement by stating this was karma and everything that happened was deserved (because of the nature of this city being responsible for the environmental impact of oil sands development causing climate change).
It is interesting how the media can soundly decry that this debasement is wrong, but at the same time produce stereotypical comments that seem to be directed towards singles, and in this case males.
The writer of article ‘Real Fort McMurray no myth or symbol, just a beloved home’ (pressreader) writes a very good article about how the debasing comments are so wrong and do nothing to promote a just humane society. However, the stereotypical comments (also myths, metaphors and symbols) about single males also are just as debasing:
“For some, it’s clear, Fort McMurray seems a national embarrassment – the rowdy cousin who arrives at your wedding driving an F-350, drinks too much, and does the bridesmaid under the table. The cousin you only invited in the expectation that he would bring a thumping big cheque to the party.
Rich, brash, over-sexed, unsophisticated and politically mortifying – that’s the Fort McMurray in the popular imagination of its detractors…… “
The writer does go on to state that many from all across Canada, particularly Atlantic Canada, do recognize the debt they owe to the city for employment and other benefits it has provided. Those who choose to negatively comment do so because:
“Perhaps they resent Fort McMurray’s noveau riches. To admit that you owe someone something is to acknowledge their dominance and your own lack of power. Perhaps it’s easier to mock those who live there as rednecks and rubes……Fort McMurray isn’t a myth or a metaphor. It isn’t a series of tired stereotypes and a convenient political symbol…..It’s a multicultural, vibrant city full of hard-working men and women….They love the challenge and the excitement – the camaraderie of a young community, full, not just of young partyers partying hard, but of young families, building their futures. And sometimes a loud cousin makes a wedding a lot more fun…..”
The irony of this article is that more than one stereotype has been represented. First, Fort McMurray deserves to be burned, second, presumably there are many single rich over-sexed partying males who make up Fort McMurray, and third, the only reason to invite cousins who do the bridesmaid to your wedding is the expectation that he would bring a thumping big cheque to the party (myth that singles are rich).
The writer of this article clearly states that stereotypes and myths are damaging and do not belong in society as a whole. The reference to the cousin and over-sexed rich male was probably meant to be funny, but it not funny to those singles who are tired of being vilified, intentionally or unintentionally, in the media and by those who think that immediately upon marriage, married persons become decent respectful human beings. Other stereotypes include (profiling)
If stereotypes about singles are going to continually be showcased, how about at the same time giving some examples of how singles, as well as families, did brave and heroic acts during this tragic event?
This blog is of a general nature about financial discrimination of individuals/singles. It is not intended to provide personal or financial advice.
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