Personal Narrative: My Stereotypes

I differed from the majority. I was never into pop music, never into fashion, never into celebrities or idols. However, I was not aware of this until I reached an age where my peers in school no longer accepted my differentiating thoughts.

Of course the norm for me is that of any citizen living in zone three.

The social norm I broke is making too much eye contact, or staring excessively, at my teachers. While sitting in class, I stared at my teachers more than I stared at my paper or looked around the classroom. It is usually normal for students to stare down at their desks and not look at the teacher a lot.

I grew up as one of the hardest things to commit to, black and alternative. My meaning of alternative is being interested in goth fashion and heavy metal music. From what I was told, being black is listening to hip-hop and dressing like everyone else around them or what is the social norm. Clearly, my definition of alterative is contrasting on what it means to be “black.” I say it's hard to commit because coming from a closed black family, I felt pressed to let go of what I felt about myself just to make them happy. Questions like, ‘’Why are you trying so hard to be different?’’ or ‘’Who told you that was okay?’’ Still replay in my head whenever I decide to wear something that I would feel most comfortable in. Not long ago, I got into an arguement

Growing up in New York, there were many invaluable experiences I wouldn’t have traded for any other childhood. What I attain is great intercultural intelligence and being able to defy stereotypes and discrimination. As a melting pot, I remember having an African American best friend and, in high school, I learned more about many different Asian heritages and cultures.

“You’re pretty for someone who has dark skin.” I stood there in the middle of my 10th grade English class, stunned. Trying to fathom whether or not to accept it or acknowledge it was a backhanded compliment. I sat there thinking to myself did this other student who shares the same color skin as me, just feel the need to associate my beauty despite my color? This was just one of many times in my life I had encountered phrases like that, but that day in my English class, I realized society had created a social norm that just wasn't going to sit right with me.

Ironically, even though my generation tends to be more liberal that certainly has not been the case for my friends. Specifically, my male friends tend to fit every “redneck” stereotype and are hard core republicans. Coming from a small school, I was stuck with them regardless of if I liked it a lot. Surprising, I grew to love it and look it as another opportunity. I tend to be very outspoken with people I feel comfortable around. Because of this my friends are sure to know where I stand on issues. Being the only direct and vocal democrat in our friend group set me for endless debates, name-calling, and even an occasional agreement. The debates I had with my friend were often long and aggressive, especially when I tend to be the lone wolf in

There was a time when I was young, innocent, stupid, and a scaredy cat. This happened when I was about 9 years old, when the world consisted of cartoons, school, and lots of sugar. My brother on the other hand preferred stuffed animals and dolls, and he had this one stuffed doll that looked like a farmer that wore a blue overall and had orange hair. I and my brother shared a room and he would always align all his stuff animals and dolls in an orderly fashion on the desk where they all were pointed towards us, when we were asleep.

FUN! CHEEKY! GIGGLES! Those are the best words to describe @amandaware1 who is, quite easily, one of the few so-much-fun-my-sides-hurt #models I've met so far. Completely and utterly entertaining to hang out with, if not slightly insane, I genuinely didn't want to leave her place after filming her cook her classic #breakfast dish which - yes really - included GLUTEN-FILLED WHITE PROCESSED BREAD. If ever there was a sign that you're back in England that would be it. We poke fun (way too much) at health trends, healthy eating and get down to the details on what made the Aussie (former #ANTM I'll have you know!) babe choose infinitely grey London over the golden coast. Also, editing this was the easiest video so far and every time I replay it,

Uncomfortable situations are not fun for anybody, but sometimes things are not what they seem. Last summer on an average Friday I was preparing myself for my big lacrosse tryout the following day. At the same time I was also preparing myself for the wide spread of personalities on the team, but listening to all the stereotypes and experience, I thought I knew what they would be like. I assumed I was walking into a tryout with a bunch of rich, snobby, arrogant cities boys, which knew daddy had money. As I drove the boring, simplistic hour and a half drive that’s all I could think about. I was concerned when I should have been excited. As I arrived at my grandparents, I settled myself down and prepared for bed, it was going to be an early morning and a long day.

Following along with my nocturnal routine, I scroll past digital photos people feel important enough to put on display for the rest of us. Strategically placed untouched meals, someone’s face, professional photo of a dog, photo of a physical photo of what appears to be an 80s-teenage bedroom, promotion for the new Shins album I have already preordered, professional photo of a dog. I return to the photo of the 80's teen. The caption reads “OK but look @ my mom’s 1980's bedroom #tbt.” Although I find this use of millennial language to be a bit distasteful, the tenderness behind a daughter presenting her access to her mother’s adolescence strikes me. Introspection comes at the oddest times. What would I, in fifteen years, have to show my children?

When I was younger, I had a lot of trouble talking to people. I was shy, the kind of shy that brought books to bible school classes and read them underneath of desks just to avoid socializing. People were scary, I did not know to interact with them. So I turned to spending a lot of time working with and researching animals. When I was in 3rd grade my neighbor gave me a key to his dog kennel so I could play with his puppies. I remember walking up to his house every day after school for an hour or two that year. In tenth grade, I started fostering parrots.

The central theme of my identity is my progressive ideals, which has contributed to my want to be politically active. For instance, I had the incredible opportunity to work on a various political campaigns in my local community. Specifically, I phone-banked for the Clinton campaign, went door to door for a local county commissioner's race, and put out political signs for future Governor Roy Cooper. Subsequently, all of this political involvement derived from my absolute outrage at the actions of Republican reactionaries throughout the country. Thus, I saw it my moral duty to get political and help fight a rising influence of individuals who do not have the best interests for the average American. From HB2 to Republican attempts to infringe

2 a. I stereotyped my now best friend but a year ago stranger. We were both from the same sports conference, meaning that our high schools played against each other. By just looking at her she seemed to be normal, but was definitely a flirt. When seeing that it reminded me to what my friends and I always thought of that group of girls from her school, which was a Catholic school. We always thought those Catholic school girls were harlots ( I don't feel comfortable saying the actual words in this). So seeing this girl flirt with guys left and right, I though our assumption was correct. I acted like I wasn't into getting to know her. I tried to avoid her many times, which is very unlike me.

Growing up, I was usually surrounded by white American culture and as a result was often the person that added an element of diversity. As a part of a small group of students from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, I ended up with the unenviable task of representing the country of India to my fellow classmates and peers. Despite the fact that I was born in Brooklyn, I was the token Indian friend, fielding questions on the acceptability of wearing bindis and applying mehendi for fun.