Stereotypes

When I was in school in England, I went on a school trip to a Buddhist monastery in South London. Following all the stereotypes I had been exposed to I was expecting to see a gathering of bald headed Asian meditating together, with a loud chorus of “ummmm”. I was shocked to find a black dreadlocked male answering the door. I asked him, if I was in the right place, he said yes in a strong Jamaican accent and led us to the temple. In the temple there were a few stereotype monks however majority of them were white middle-aged English men. I took the Rastafarian Buddhist to the side and asked why non Asians where allowed to be monks. He sedately responded, the monastery accepts people of all color, gender and age, and all people deserve to be enlightened.
I walked away that day, having learnt a valuable lesson. It is easy to stereotype especially when ignorant. From that day I decided to always do my research and never go anywhere blind as I would be exposed as being ignorant.