If you've been paying attention, you've probably noticed him, even if he's never spoken to you. he might look so strange that you know right away. It might be just the smallest of things. He gives you a little more space than necessary when he passes you in the hall, or refuses to make eye contact. The professors love him, though. It's obvious he's an excellent student, which you think is lucky for him since his people skills are non-existent.
One day someone makes a casual comment about him having been homeschooled. The lights come on and you can't help but think, that explains a lot!
A common feature of stereotyping is confusing cause and effect. This holds especially true when discussing homeschooling. When looking for something positive to say to homeschool grads, people usually fall back on, "really? Well, my sister homeschooled her children and they all graduated and went to college at 14. Homeschoolers are just some of the smartest kids."
Here's a question. What else is there to fall back on after being labeled "socially inept" besides one's academic abilities?
Homeschooled prodigies like Judit Polgar and Christopher Paolini are not an accurate representation of the results of homeschooling in general. They are, however, examples of the behavior people expect to see to justify the concept of homeschooling.
The day I tell someone I was homeschooled and they say, "really? Homeschoolers are just the nicest people," my stereotype of our society's views on education will be drastically changed.
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