Stereotypes

One might think we live in an age where discriminations have been cut to a bare minimum, as far as addressing them goes. Gender discrimination, racism, and discrimination towards the disabled and less fortunate have been acknowledged, dealt with, and hand

led. Our children are taught to take care of the elderly, help the poor, and to stare at people with disabilities. The mentally handicapped, homeless people, and foreign men and women are given jobs. Yes, one might definitely think we live in a time where

peaceful equality is at its best. Then why can't I; a normal, average intelligence, respectful teenage girl, be accepted? One would think that if we can accept the poor, disabled, foreign, and homeless people regardless of race, religion, or gender; accept

ing a person who just chooses to dress and look differently would be easy. As I have found, such is not the case. Discrimination towards teenagers, especially the ones who chose to dress differently, is a problem. It is a problem that goes very often un-ad

dressed.\line \line \tab There are plenty of stereotypes, but I believe the one that is believed the most is what the stereotypical teenage "freak" is. Constantly people assume, just by looking at my friends, a lot of different things. I was surprised to find the number

of people who just figured I was into drugs because of the people I am friends with. I couldn't believe it. Apparently, because they choose to dress differently, they must be trashed all the time. However, such is not the case. Police assume they are trou

ble makers. Many have been stopped countless times, sworn at, and threatened by arrest, for simply standing on a street corner or holding a skateboard. Meanwhile, a handful of preppy teens stand by, doing the same thing, yet not getting a word towards them

. I dress like a prep but I choose not to hang out with those people because I do not agree with things they say and do. However my friends are assumed to be on drugs and trouble makers, as well as 'skids', losers, and that they're depressed.\line \line \tab Not only do

people form these opinions, they also act upon them. Getting a job can be horrible. You can be the most respectful, responsible person in the world, but unfortunately your eyebrow ring is "offensive". Its pathetic! Businesses will hire Mexicans and Asians

who can hardly speak English, just so they are "politically correct". But apparently people with piercings don't count. One of my friends were walking behind a girl with a handicap, and a mother will scold her child for staring, but when my friend passed,

Mother stares along with Child. Is my friend somehow less than human? Do people think He doesn't

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