Last week as I was walking through Tolliver Hall, past Centennial Plaza and by the “Lady of the Mist,” I noticed something.

I noticed that we tend to subconsciously group ourselves off with people who illustrate similar mannerisms and beliefs as ourselves. I guess we think this makes things easier.

Although some never give this observance a second glance, I feel that it should be brought to our attention.

The majority of people automatically assume someone is going to be a certain way simply because of their appearance.

Congratulations, we have been superficially judged.

These are the views society has manufactured for us anyway.

Let’s face it; we’re all guilty.

I know from personal experience what it feels like to come to the abrupt realization that an acquaintance behaves completely different than you initially anticipated.

Of the many problems that are gradually deteriorating the substances of society, stereotypes seem to be the forerunner.

It appears to me that almost everyone at one point in time falls victim to one of these clichéd images.

Whether it is the way one dresses or behaves, it’s as if society has a unique place for all, and is patiently waiting to quickly dispense each of us into our respective societal groups.

However, I’m not blaming the issue at hand entirely on society.

We must learn to make up our own minds about different issues and people.

Whether it’s political concerns or personal beliefs, we should refuse to let society dictate what we think or feel.  

I’m not saying that some people don’t adequately live up to the stereotypical staple society has quickly branded on them.

Still, everyone deserves a closer, more in-depth look. People are surprising and constantly changing.

After all, we were not intended to be carbon copies of one another; diversity is what keeps the world intriguing and moving along.

If we limit those around us to a single, conventional spectrum, then we have also limited ourselves and possible opportunities.

College is a time for expansion, growth and new experiences.

It’s about being in a different place surrounded with unfamiliar faces.

I whole-heartedly believe that Tech is the perfect place to meet many different types of people.

Our school is a disguised luxury in the fact that it is just big enough to achieve all we need or want to.

I’ve recently realized that if I would have obediently followed society’s labels I would have left some of my now best friends with quick glances and completely wrong first impressions.

 

Staci Parks is a sophomore journalism major from Slapout, Ala., and serves as a news editor for The Tech Talk. E-mail comments to slp025@latech.edu.