6: Stereotypes

Alright, so I had a really good summer, but all you really need to know about it is that I got married and moved to New York where I am now happily living and going to school some more.
So ever since moving here to New York, I've been very much in shock about the cultural and racial diversity that exists here. Mind you, this is coming from someone who just moved from Bend, OR, where there's probably a total of 8 black people. Now, one thing that you must understand about me is that I'm not necessarily a horrible person, but if I were to say all of the off color, racist things that creep into my head, I would offend the bulk of non-white-christian-males that I come across. And this is primarily because I find stereotypes hilarious.
And the thing that troubles me a little bit is that I don't see anything wrong at all about them, mostly because I don't take them too terribly seriously. In no way do I think that all white people are stiff and awkward or that all mexicans are dirty and lazy or that all jewish people are extraordinarily greedy. Just enough to where a sweeping general statement that is made by a stereotype is not only excusable, but very funny. Also, since when does enjoying fried chicken and watermelon make you black? My general point of view has been that all worthwhile people enjoy fried chicken and watermelon because it's delicious.
I just think that this whole avoiding stereotypes being a horrible thing that should never be brought up thing is just really dumb. Maybe it's just because there isn't a ton of bad press out there against Asians, but I think that there is generally something wrong with people who can't laugh about themselves and are too sensitive to be able to, for lack of a better term, embrace all aspects about themselves.
Which brings me to the other thing that really bugs me about stereotypes. I absolutely hate it when people will gladly accept any positive stereotype about their ethnicity and then freak out about any negative one. For instance, many black people that I know often make jokes about being outstanding athletes, but then absolutely freak out at the hint of a black man joke. That just doesn't seem right to me.
And to me, it shows a certain amount of insecurity with one's self to find offense in parts of yourself while elevating other parts. I, like many Asians, am a terrible driver, but I really love being Asian for many reasons including a generally large prowess in mathematics and so I take the downsides gladly. Why can't it be okay to be an awkward, stiff white man who is in charge of everyone else? Or a lazy, Mexican berry farmer who is really good at boxing and baseball? Or a greedy jewish jeweler who has a very well funded 401k? Show some pride by not freaking out.