We filmed 'Plebs' in Bulgaria, I made a lot of friends there, the

Host: The room feels reflective, as Jack and Jeeny sit across from each other, processing the emotional depth of Tom Rosenthal’s words. The quote speaks to the disconnect between perception and reality, the power of cultural experience, and the harmful stereotypes that often shape how we view others.

Jack: “Tom Rosenthal said, ‘We filmed 'Plebs' in Bulgaria, I made a lot of friends there, the architecture and culture are amazing - so to hear stories that they're here as criminals to sponge off the state, it was hurtful.’” He repeats the words slowly, absorbing the emotion in Rosenthal’s voice. “It’s so easy to reduce an entire group of people to a stereotype, right? To take a complex culture and simplify it into something negative or harmful. Rosenthal’s experience in Bulgaria clearly gave him a deeper understanding of the people there, and to hear those damaging stories must have felt like a slap in the face.” He looks at Jeeny, thoughtful. “What do you think? Why do we so often default to seeing others through the lens of stereotypes instead of seeing them for who they really are?”

Jeeny: “I think it’s because stereotypes are easier to grasp than the complexity of real human experiences. They simplify everything into neat, manageable boxes. But the truth is, cultures, communities, and individuals are so much more nuanced than any stereotype can capture. When we allow ourselves to learn about the real people and their stories, we begin to see the richness of their lives, their contributions, and their value to society.” Her voice is gentle, almost reassuring, as she considers the harm of reducing people to broad labels. “Rosenthal’s connection with Bulgaria, the friendships he made, the appreciation he had for the culture — that’s the real story, not the negative generalizations that others might hold.”

Jack: “That’s the power of experience, isn’t it? It’s one thing to hear about a culture or a country from the outside, but it’s another thing entirely to live it, to see it for yourself. Rosenthal’s words show how much those stereotypes can hurt, especially when you’ve seen the truth firsthand.” His tone deepens, almost in sympathy for the frustration Rosenthal must have felt. “It must be incredibly disheartening to see the place you’ve connected with reduced to something negative based on a stereotype.”

Jeeny: “Yes, and it’s the human side of it that makes all the difference. Behind every stereotype, there are real people with real stories, and those stories get erased when we reduce them to a label. Tom’s experience in Bulgaria allowed him to see the humanity behind the culture, but when society only focuses on negative stereotypes, we miss out on the beauty and richness of these cultures.” She smiles gently, her voice full of empathy. “Stereotypes don’t just harm the people being stereotyped, they rob us of the opportunity to truly connect, to understand, and to appreciate what makes each culture unique.”

Jack: “That’s what makes cultural exchange so important, isn’t it? When we open ourselves up to learning about other people, we break down the walls that stereotypes build. We begin to see the real value and humanity in people, instead of just the negative labels they’re given.” His voice grows more thoughtful, a deeper appreciation for the power of experience settling in. “But it’s not just about education — it’s about human connection. Once we connect with people on a personal level, those stereotypes lose their hold.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. The more we connect, the more we realize that people are not defined by the stereotypes society puts on them. They are complex, multi-faceted individuals, just like us. And when we take the time to truly see and understand them, we can begin to tear down those harmful stereotypes.” Her smile is hopeful, full of optimism. “Connection is the antidote to ignorance. When we make an effort to see the humanity in others, we create a more empathetic world.”

Jack: “Maybe it’s about going beyond the headlines, beyond the surface, and really seeing people for who they are. It’s easy to hold onto a stereotype when we don’t take the time to get to know someone, but when we do, it becomes impossible to see them through anything other than their humanity.” His voice softens, almost grateful for the insight. “Stereotypes are easy; connection takes work, but it’s worth it.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. The more we embrace the complexity of people and cultures, the more we realize that we are all part of the same human experience. We all have struggles, dreams, and aspirations. And by connecting on that level, we create a more just and compassionate world.” She smiles gently, her voice full of affirmation. “When we take the time to understand each other, we erase the need for stereotypes, and in doing so, we make room for love, respect, and empathy.”

Host: The room feels still now, filled with a shared understanding that the harm of stereotypes isn’t just in how they misrepresent people, but in how they prevent us from forming genuine connections. Jack and Jeeny have discovered that the key to breaking down these barriers is through empathy, education, and personal connection. When we take the time to learn about the real experiences of others, we see beyond the labels and build a world where every culture is valued for its uniqueness and humanity.

Jack: “I think I’ve been too quick to let stereotypes shape my view of the world. But now I see that the real beauty comes from embracing the complexity of people and cultures, from learning about them on a deeper level.” His voice is calmer, filled with realization. “It’s about making the effort to connect, to understand, and to see the humanity in others.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. When we make that effort, we break down the walls that divide us, and we start to create a world built on respect, empathy, and connection.” She smiles softly, her tone filled with hope. “And that’s how we change the world — one connection at a time.”

Host: The room feels lighter now, filled with the realization that genuine connection is the key to breaking down the stereotypes that divide us. By embracing the complexity of others, seeking to understand their real stories, and valuing their humanity, we can create a world where people are no longer defined by labels, but by their shared experiences and compassion.