Stereotypes

Stereotype (n) - a generalized perception of first impressions: beliefs, and behaviors presumed by a group of people judging with the eyes/criticizing ones outer appearance(or a population in general) to be associated with another specific group.

Above is the Wikipedian definition for the word stereotype. Yet, it is so much more than just that simple definition. The process of stereotyping...it is so complex, fixated at the top of the social hierarchy, that most of us feel that we are unable to change it. But who says we can't? Is there really that much of a difference between the cheerleader and the nerd? Sure...there is outer appearance, but what kind of person are you if you cant accept the way others look? I mean sure, we all criticize the way other people look, but its not like were never going to talk to them ever again. How do you know whats behind the exterior of the nerd if you never give that person a chance? You never know, they could turn out to be the nicest person you ever met, while the cheerleader could turn out to be a backstabber. You just don't know these things.

To clarify any confusion, this whole rant of mine started while I was watching an episode of Sabrina the Teenage Witch (go ahead, laugh). In the episode, Sabrina uses her magic to turn a nasty cheerleader into a geek so that she can know what it is like from their shoes. Oh, if we only had the power that Sabrina has...how we could change the social scale with one snap of a finger. Alas, we are not graced with the super-human power of magic...but that doesn't mean we can't change the way things are...does it?

Edward Everett Hale once said, "I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." In other words, one person cannot make a difference on his/her own, but that one persons efforts can certainly create a dent. If that persons intent is purposeful, it will wield success with help from others. (Confused...idk it makes sense in my head).

As I look back on what I have just written, I realize that I have pretty much rambled on and on about a topic of little interest. I guess what I am trying to say is that just because we don't have magical powers, doesn't mean that we cant make a difference in the world. "If you work with others toward a common goal, you will find that you can achieve it with ease." (you can quote me lol).

So i guess I'll end with that somewhat insightful quote. (Yea I came up with that on the spot. I'm just that good).

xoxo,
Rebecca