The word stereotype is often defined as a “commonly held public belief about specific social groups or types of individuals.” These stereotypes can either be negative or positive.

Take the stereotype of Native Americans, for example. Historically, this group was admired as noble savages. These positive portrayals depict the Native Americans as hardworking and peaceful who live in harmony with nature and others around them. Over time, however, the image of this group became more negative. They were seen as wild, primitive and uncivilized. They were further portrayed as dangerous people who attacked white settlers, cowboys and stagecoaches. To add to this perception was the long, high-pitched sounds one would make with a hand in front of one’s mouth, while uttering words like “How” and “Ugh.”

Quite a few years ago, Tom and I went with a large group to an Afghanistan restaurant for dinner. While there, we wanted to meet the restaurant owner. Some people were more than a little surprised when the owner walked out and rather than being someone from the Middle East, she was a Caucasian woman who was born in the Midwest. What were we expecting? A woman completely covered by a silk burka with only a mesh opening for seeing and breathing?

Although I was born in Vietnam, I’ve primarily lived in Minnesota. I have no accent and many are surprised when they meet me in person, after having talked to me on the phone. Because of my Asian first name, Tom’s Irish last name, and not having an accent, I throw many people off, as you can imagine. So I shouldn’t be surprised when some of these Asian stereotypes carry over from my personal life to my professional life.

I recently met with a couple at a venue to go over the details for their upcoming wedding. While we were there, a man came into the ballroom and sat down. While I was talking to the couple, the mother of the bride approached the man. Upon hearing that the man’s son is engaged, the mother started talking to him about our catering business. The man looked at me and asked if I cooked anything other than Asian food.

Although the mother was shocked to hear this comment, I’m not so surprised. I suppose one look at me and some would think all I make are egg rolls and fried rice. Unless you look at our website and photo gallery (or actually talk with me!), you may not know that I’m just as comfortable making poached halibut with truffle mushroom rice pilaf as I am at making Asian spring rolls. And would it surprise you to know that we’ve catered events like a Greek baptism, a corporate lunch for executives from Abu Dhabi, and a dinner for VIPs from India?

Stereotypes no longer bother me. It’s just the world we live in, after all. Underneath our skin color and behind the shape of our eyes, we’re just people. My mind continues to ponder these thoughts as I munch away on some Norwegian lefse.