Walk through Hoover. You see many things. We’re good with things such as academics and sports, but one other thing Hoover is good at is stereotyping. As I walk through the hallways I’ll hear things such as “Hey emo kid, go cut yourself,” or other so derogatory insults.
One of the questions I must ask is why? Why do we continually look down upon people because they’re different? Some do it to make themselves look cool for their friends, and others do it to make themselves feel more important or to boost their own self-esteem. Is this necessary? It is pointless and becomes very old, very fast.
Hoover encourages people to express themselves; however, Hoover’s student body contradicts this belief. Hoover High School and the rest of North Canton City Schools have the belief that “every individual is unique.”
Now, we’ve all been guilty of stereotyping at some point in our high school careers, and if not, at some point in our lives. It’s human nature to make first impressions by appearances, but as time passes, it’s not a first impression anymore. Instead, it’s judging someone we don’t really know based on the color of their hair and the clothing that they wear; we should all try to get to know the person we’re judging. Most people don’t take the time to really get to know that “dumb blonde” or that “scary Goth guy.” Instead, we keep on judging and pretend like it doesn’t bother the other person.
Some people aren’t affected by stereotyping — but others are. The person being judgmental has no idea how the person whom they’re judging may or may not feel about it. It could be that they’re laughing along with you for the moment, but later, it may seem like the end of the world. Point being, you just don’t know.
You know, some people look up to those sports figures or big movie stars; however, I admire that guy down the street who puts up with people’s stereotypes everyday because he’s got the self-confidence to simply express himself. The guy who is OK with wearing nail polish and eye makeup because it shows who he is. Who cares if he’s a guy in makeup or if she’s a girl in baggy clothing? Get to know their personalities before you decide that they’re bad people because of how they look. There’s no reason to be against a certain person because they’re in a different social group. It’s OK for humanity to be slightly different then you. It’s OK if other people have different interests, styles, make different choices and hang out with different people then you.
I don’t expect this column to change the face of stereotyping at Hoover, though, I’d like to believe it. I’m not a complete moron. But Hoover I ask you: Who says that “preppy cheerleader” can’t date that “weird emo kid?” Who has the power to tell us that “Goth chick” can’t eat lunch with those “super smart kids?” For the people out there that are saying no one, you’re right. No one can.
Individuality is so incredible because there are no limits to what you can do or who you can be. Imagine trying to take that away. Think about that the next time you decide to look at someone and call them emo, prep, gothic, homo, or anything else that is highly unnecessary.