Saira Kekic

What You Should Know About Buddhism

Topic: How is Buddhism perceived and stereotyped by society?

Thesis: Based on my research and interviews I have conducted, Buddhism is
perceived and stereotyped by society differently than what is actually is.
I.

Introduction
a. Even in the modern society, people will stereotype and perceive
things their own way and how society believes it to be. Most people
will be able to identify common stereotypes within a culture. I mean
who doesnt know the stereotype that most white girls love Starbucks.
Movies can especially have a strong influence and give good examples
on how most people should think. However, this topic now brings
me to the point of what I am going to be explaining to you all! Based
on my research and interviews I have conducted, Buddhism is
perceived and stereotypes by society differently than what it actually
is.

Transition: First, lets talk about what Buddhism is and some of the beliefs that
go along with this religion.
II.

First Point: What is Buddhism?

a. Buddhism, with about 365 million followers makes up six percent of
the worlds population and is the fourth largest religion in the world.
The first Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama when he attainted
enlightenment, founded Buddhism in northern India in the sixth

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century BCE (Kappes, 2008). One thing that I found out that most
Buddhists would believe is that in their culture life is full of suffering
caused by desire and the way to end this suffering is through
enlightenment. One belief that ties to the religion is reincarnation.
This religion is based on wisdom and ones actions with development
over time, and its more of a philosophy than a religion. Worshipping
Buddha and meditating and practicing to better you as a person are
some basic things that Buddhists strive for everyday.
Transition: Now lets get into some of the stereotypes society thinks about
Buddhism.
III.

Second point: First stereotype I found based on the movie Hangover part II.
a.

It came to my mind while watching Hangover Part 2, which showed

off some humor that might not be so funny to Buddhists since they are giving
off a bad image of the monks. The part that stood out to me was when the men
left their wedding resort, desperately trying to find Teddy, out confused
Americans go to a Buddhist monastery. Naturally, the monks have taken a vow
of silence, which turns out to be not only inconvenient but also violent. When
the guys try talking to the monks, one of the holy men takes his giant stick and
starts beating them. Never mind that this is a non-violent religious order, its
apparently hilarious when a big silent Thai gentleman in robes beats a bunch
of Americans for just opening their mouths. This religion is against violence
and is very peaceful. The movie plays it out to be different in this way since the

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monk was beating the man, and monks wouldnt do that especially in that
environment.
Transition: On my two interviews I conducted, I was able to point out some
stereotypes that the girls gave me a better understanding of.
IV. Third point: Another stereotype
a. Most people would assume that Buddhists would be vegetarians since most
men are monks who are against killing animals, but in reality most eat meat.
Beverly and Zara (my interviewers) both ate meat, so this stereotype is
perceived by society falsely since neither of them were vegetarians. Another
stereotype I asked the girls about was if they meditated. Beverly said she
didnt but I could understand that since she claims she is only 50% religious.
Her mom however does mediate and practice the religion everyday. Zara said
that she mediates everyday because it brings her peace and gets her mind
right. Even if you look up a picture of Buddha, you will see that he is the
position of meditating. I can see why people would stereotype all Buddhists
to mediate since the religion is all about peace and this is common practice
they go through.
Transition: Now that you all about Buddhism, this brings me to my conclusion
on how I demonstrated that this religion is perceived and stereotyped
differently.
IIV. Conclusion
a. Buddhism was a great religion for me to study because I have found out so
many things about the religion and culture I didnt know. I see how peoples

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opinions and the media impact society. Now my fellow classmates, never judge a
book by its cover because not everything you hear is true.