They say in this life, you will always be judged by the way you look, how you act. It is basic human instinct to judge someone within 10 seconds of first becoming acquainted with them. What is it that makes us think that we have the right to do so? I suppose it's a defense mechanism, a way of protecting ourselves from the 'evils' of this world. But sometimes, it is our judgement that stops us from ever truly understanding one another, or at the very least accepting. 1
The thing that frustrates me the most is when me, or one of my friends, is the subject of this prejudice. We spend most of our time in each others company, never really straying through fear of being scorned for doing so. Is this what we call a fair system? You can be who you are as long as you don't mix with those who follow the rules? I know there will never be complete acceptance of views, because we live in a varied and complex world, but it takes far more effort to hate someone for no reason than to just respect their opinions and let them, us, go about our lives. 2
The system is so screwed up sometimes, that those who aren't different in any major way are picked on and made the victim for no apparent reason. I walk into my science class, put my stuff down and greeted as 'that dirty little grebo.' I am not a grebo, I am not a punk or a barbie doll or a stereotypical teenager, just as I am not a conformist to such a degree that I would single out fellow students purely to achieve some status. 3
These people, these bullies are a selection of the biggest hypocrites society has to offer. They gather round you with their mates like hyenas to their prey, calling you every name under the sun and provoking you, just enough to make your face red with fury and embarrassment, but not enough for you to get them right between the eyes. When you see them on the streets alone, they hide their faces and hang their heads in shame. They see you, they're not ignorant, They're aware of your presence, but they are also aware of your power over them. 4
You may now be thinking 'not another teenage rant about labels.' But this isn't about labels, or even prejudice for that matter. It's about human instinct. We shouldn't let 10 seconds decide whether or not these people are good enough for us. Those 10 seconds give you an exterior glance at multi faceted souls that we never see shine because of our ignorance. 5
You want a moral for the day? Well here goes...don't get comfortable in system that allows you to never really know who people are just because of the way they are on the outside. It is only if the system if fought and changed that our views can alter also. All it takes is one friendly smile at a 'goth', to hold the door open for that girl who is always laughed at. What's so difficult about a simple gesture like that? Nothing. What difference can it make? If enough people do it, a nugget of acceptance can one day form a wave of hope for all the outcasts. So hold open that door, smile for once and do something important for someone else.6
Author notes
My rant about how stupid human instinct can be sometimes. Oh, and for reference
Grebo: a term meaning hells angel biker type. Sometimes stuck on teenagers who listen to rock and metal music. A stupid label often stuck on those who don't need it.
All comments/debates/arguments and applauds appreciated 
Lylas x x x
What did you think? Please comment!
Comments
1 - 6 of 6
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Congrats on winning gold for this well deserved write.
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A good reminder
Wow, this was really good. When I see a goth I am little freaked out, they are dark, quiet, and just weird at first. But when you get to know them they are just regular people that are just the same as us. Their clothing just represents how they express themselves on the outside- yet- their clothing has nothing to do with who they really are. Maybe they are dark and lonely. But it feels great when you become good friends with outcast, realizing how nice these people can be- and how hurt they are inside- can really show you that they are just.... Normal. They are nothing different than me. They have feelings, emotions, opinions, heart, and most of all- they are human.
Before I was sort of scared around goths- they are just dark people- it seems like. But when I got to know my friend Tifini (Who is a goth- to the extreme) she is just a normal person- She is hurting inside so much, but yet she has the best sense of humor. And the reason why I think I might just give this story hands down- first place trophey is that it reminded me not to believe in first impressions (unless if it is a job interview) I hope I explained this well, I am not good at explaining. Have a great day. -Tyler Drescher
PS. Expect at least a third place trophey. -
Quite the rant here - ranting is good some times. Need to get ot out and off your chest so to speak. Good ranting...keep it up.
Edited on Nov 09, 9:05 because ''. -
The more rants there are the better!!! There is a clear point you are making here and this is a subject that I rant about too. True, clear and well written. thanks.
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in our society acceptance is out. People dont smile at others because they think that person will think there weird. Isnt that stupid? I have never been smiled at by a stranger on the street. People are just to wrapped up in there own lives most of the time to spare someone even a glance and a smile which just might save someones life if they are really depressed. I have heard many storys about people who were about to commit suicide but because someone showed them some human commpassion they decided not to end there life. I enjoyed this it told the truth. .
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Well written and point well made. I'm usually a victim of people simply deciding what I'm like before they get to know me. It makes me ssad and angry all the time. Just like the way people judge things before they know all the facts, but then from time to time when I take some time to really think about it, i do the same. And then I can just decide again to try not to do it. On the flip side, I've also learned, that sometime you really have to listen to your first intincts about someone, because sometimes they are very right. I'd say get to know someone, but never forget your first impression fo that person, it can sometimes be very important to see thing in a person that you wouldn't see alternately, especially if you are dealing with a person who is very manipulative. I don't know if it makes sense, but thats what i think Great write and good luck for the contest
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