I'm Still Here

Stereotyping happens everywhere you go; walking down the street, through the hallways of Troy High, or in your AP classes. Studies have shown that when people look at you, eight seconds later they have already judged and stereotyped you. People shouldn't fall into the ruthlessness of judging people by their attire, age, gender, culture, religion, etc.

This week, we watched some clips from some Indian related stereotypical movies or television shows. They all consisted of the same stereotypes such as stoic, warrior looking, menacing, and illiterate. Compared to the white man, they were savages and were no comparison. It is funny to see white man as the higher figure in situations when we were nothing but a bunch of savages ourselves; fighting all the time with our own people.

During the course of this hectic week, students got a chance to go see a public speaker who talked about stereotyping and the things we can do to prevent such events. He talked about how smiling or saying hello can make someone’s day brighter. Everyone should be accounted for and no one should be left alone. He talked about a poem he memorized and the main theme was I’m still here. It really got through to some people and people looked a little happier after seeing his presentation.

Thus, stereotyping anyone you don’t know is wrong. You don’t know them, you don’t know their story, or what they’re made of. So don’t judge, it’s as simple as that. I hope people will branch out of their comfort zone to make someone happy. It could save a life.