By SheelaR

We all have our preconceived notions about others. Anything preconceived, is generally born out of ignorance. I’m guilty of this, as is most people.  However, I’m always willing to admit that I’m wrong and is open to learning. It may take me a minute to get there…but often times with guidance, I do.  I grew up in a bubble, but I’m well traveled. You will often find my ignorance to be more of a local problem than an international one. I can tell you many things about other cultures, but often struggle with the ones in my own backyard, but once again, I’m learning. I will always be a work in progress.

Which brings me to this…

As a mixed-race woman, I’m often fighting against stereotypes and generalizations. Oddly enough, they are often stereotypes/generalizations that I can’t even begin to identify with. So, when someone on social media made a blanket statement about WOC (women of color), today…I was highly offended and perplexed. As a MOC (man of color) I expected him to stay away from such ignorant and offensive behavior, but he persisted. I found myself highly disgusted. I walked away from the conversation to keep from saying something that I would regret later. With my personality, walking away is always the best option in a heated moment.

When I engage in stereotypes/generalizations and someone takes me to task about it, I treat it as a learning moment. I don’t continue wallowing in my ignorance. I’m intelligent enough to know that I don’t know everything. At some point in all of our lives we need to get that point, otherwise…we grow old with our ignorance. I find it hard to have conversation with people once I know where their head is, particularly, when I know they engage in the kind of ignorance that is hurtful to me as a woman and a WOC.

I openly embrace and love all people. I don’t care about your religion or lack thereof; I don’t care about your race; how much you weigh; nor do I don’t care about how tall or short you are. I like to think that I’ve transcended the age of being openly and happily shallow and ignorant. Should you find me there, drag me out by my hair. If I find you there, I’ll do the same. However, if you kick and scream too loud I’m going to leave you there. It’s not my job to raise you.

It’s always disappointing to see anyone draw unnecessary comparisons based on their own very narrow point of reference. Unfortunately, it’s part of the human condition. However, the great thing about life..nothing is permanent but death. Get out there and grow.