BY CAROLINE DUNNING, Lakewood High

Some can be harmful and some can be funny, but most stereotypes are untrue. Or are they? We asked some students to debunk or affirm stereotypes others may attach to them.

DRAMA QUEEN: Alyssa Coburn, Gibbs High sophomore (pictured, left)

Affirming the stereotype:
• We keep musical theater music with us at all times.
• We burst into song a lot; well, I burst into song a lot.
• We usually express ourselves through our clothing.

Debunking the stereotype:
• I listen to rap. I listen to a variety of music. We don’t just listen to music from musicals.
• Not all of us can sing, and not all of us can dance.
• We try to be fair and let everyone do their thing and get their chance at the spotlight; we’re not attention hogs.

JOCK: Briana Thompson, Boca Ciega High sophomore (pictured, bottom left)

Affirming the stereotype:
• I fit my stereotype by trying a variety of sports such as cross country, golf, track and pole vault.
• I have six pairs of running shoes for practicing.
• I know a lot about the sports that I play.

Debunking the stereotype:
• I own 14 perfumes and about 42 nail polishes; most people think that athletic people are tomboys.
• I only practice when I have practice because I feel like that is all the practice I need.
• My room has a lot of pink. I mean, like, a lot of pink.

BRAINIAC: Savannah MacNiven, Lakewood High sophomore (pictured, bottom center)

Affirming the stereotype:
• I get all A’s and B’s, and I get all of my work done on time.
• People think that smart people wear glasses, and I do.
• Sometimes I correct people in my mind, but since I’m shy, I’m kind of afraid of what they’ll say.

Debunking the stereotype:
• I don’t study all the time and I don’t pass all of my tests.
• I’m not into Pokémon and all that nerdy stuff.
• I don’t carry a huge backpack.

GHETTO: Brandon Sweat, Lakewood High sophomore (pictured, bottom right)

Affirming the stereotype:
• I can be ghetto because I like to yell at people when I’m mad.
• Sometimes I use ghetto terms, like ratchet, stank with an A, and dirty.
• I listen to rap music.

Debunking the stereotype:
• I don’t go all out with everything, like riding around with loud music.
• I don’t talk disrespectfully about women; I call them by their proper names.
• I don’t “wild out,” like yell out the bus windows or act like I’m shooting people with my hands. That’s weird.