First off: I may be going to a Christian school, but even here there are offensive comments about race and people's character that are hurting some of my friends. I did have a feeling, before I came here, that there would be some things that I wouldn't expect from the school. I am still surprised, however, that one of those things is how people are deliberately harming each other. It's not just simply coming on too strong by accident because of one's personality. Rather, it's directly attacking another person because of weaknesses one sees in them or because of race. For example, one my friends, named Vicky, has a lot of food allergies and was receiving comments on social media like "You seek pity." Another friend of mine, named Claire, was directly asked some racist questions like "Is that your real name?" because she is Asian-American. I honestly don't understand why this would be happening in my school because I expected that everyone would have the Christian perspective of being gracious with each other. I do know, however, that if this sort thing happens here then almost everywhere we go will have the same kind of problems. That's why I'm going to say what needs to be said about this kind of issue: we are all our own person. If someone needs to rely on others or does things differently than you do, it does not mean that they are weak or the complete opposite of who you are. Even if they are completely different, it does not mean that you cannot treat them as another person. They can even like certain stereotypes in some ways but it does not mean that they are that stereotype! Everyone is a unique individual who deserves the same right to not be attacked because of people's assumptions about each other. Therefore, if you're attacked or if you see someone else attacked by people who make wrong accusations about you or the other person, speak out. Don't attack them back, though, because then you would be doing the same thing they're doing. Instead, tell that attacker that they're wrong about they said and that they shouldn't make judgements based on their first thoughts. I'm not saying that everyone should like each other; that would be impossible. But what I am saying is that if you don't like someone else then just leave it at that and don't make a whole drama out of it. And if that someone tells you that you should act like they do, don't attack them. Just say "That's not my style." Or, if that someone doesn't like you either and attacks you then just ignore them and remind yourself of who you really are. So now I would like to tell you who I really am as opposed to how some stereotypes would define me:
- I am a Christian--but I do not judge people based on their religions or beliefs.
- I am a 19-year old woman--but I do not try to please others in order to be liked.
- I am an introvert--but I do not push others away or try to be antisocial.
- I am a tomboy--but I do not think doing girly things are horrible since I sometimes act girly myself.
- I am a future teacher--but I do not think that I am always right and kids are always wrong.
