So you hear about stereotypes

Now, this isn't necessarily about my writing, but I think it's interesting to discuss nonetheless. As a woman who could easily describe herself as a tentatively recovering hair dye addict, I've seen first hand how people's attitudes toward a woman change depending on her hair color. It's probably something most people aren't aware that they do, but it's been interesting to observe. In my personal experience:

• When my hair was blond (seen here), I was constantly described as "bubbly" or "enthusiastic." Some people stopped trying to hold intellectual conversations with me, and some went so far as to presume I didn't have knowledge on a subject without so much as asking. I was also called "superficial" a couple of times.
• When my hair was brunette (as it is naturally), it seemed almost as if the vocabulary of those around me increased by a full syllable. I was more likely to be described as "insightful" or "smart" during this time.
• When my hair is black (as it is now), I've been described as more "emotional" than rational, even if the nature of my attempt at a discussion is no different than it was when I was a brunette. I've also been told I'm "dark" by nature. It's also interesting to note that with black hair people seem to perceive my skin as being darker, despite there being no real change since I last dyed it.
• When my hair was red (as it is often), I find myself more likely to be described as "passionate" or "fiery," and when holding a discussion I tend to be told more often that I'm overreacting. I'm also described as being "impulsive." 
• When my hair was an unnatural color like blue or purple (I don't have a photo available for this apparently), I was often called "rebellious" and assumed to be artistic.

These sound like stereotypical descriptions of people based on hair color, sure, but I can attest that this was really something I observed. And I'm the same person! It's not like transitioning from blond to black makes me a different person sitting behind this keyboard, drinking my pumpkin spice tea. Yet, in all honesty, how I'm treated changes drastically.

Why am I writing about this, you ask? I feel like it makes a point about how people judge based on appearance - especially in women. In most "women's interest" magazines, there's the constant attention to the question of what hair color men prefer! According to this article from askmen.com, when men were polled on hair color in women, "the brunette was rated the highest for not only attractiveness but also intelligence." A conclusion based entirely on looks, yes? And it's not like the media perpetuates the stereotypes of the ditzy blond, the fiery redhead, the intellectual but attractive brunette, the black-haired outcast, or the free spirit with strangely colored hair.

These stereotypes, of course, are presented as related to a Caucasian woman; I have little personal experience relating to the stereotypes in correlation with other races. There are several stereotypes about the women of other races, including "Asian and nerdy," the "sassy black woman," and the "spicy Latina." I wouldn't feel comfortable addressing those in depth without a great deal of research, as I haven't personally lived through them, but to see the effects of racial issues as presented by the media I highly recommend racebending.com.

The important thing to remember is that these stereotypes are just that: stereotypes. A person's appearance does not dictate a person's personality. And this of course applies to more than hair color, and to more than woman. A man or woman's hair color, eye color, skin color, facial features, and weight do not influence what kind of person he or she is. Being muscle-bound and black doesn't make a man dangerous. Being stick thin and pretty doesn't make a woman conceited. Wearing a turban and having darker skin doesn't make a man a terrorist. Having blue eyes and blond hair doesn't make a person a Neo-Nazi. Having tattoos doesn't make a person a criminal.

A person is a person is a person. It's really that simple. If you don't believe any of these ideas are a problem, I challenge all of you to go about your day with some of these stereotypes in the back of your mind - as you walk around a grocery store, as you watch TV, as you read a book or magazine. I think you'll be surprised by what you notice.