Perceptions

Since I was really little I've been going to the same church. I grew up there. Preschool through Eighth grade I spent in that tiny establishment. My brothers did the same thing.

Today my brother (who is 23) went out with one of our friends from back in the day. His family is big into music and he's a drummer. He has both his ears gaged and long hair that he dyes every once in a while. He has his very own scream-o band and he LOVES it.

Another member of my family ( i wont say who for reputation reasons ) finds out where my brother is and immediately remarks, "oh- why is he out with those losers?" Then asks me "Do you know the things that they do when they go out?" with a very judgmental tone. The funny part about this is that this boy who I've known forever (and was actually my first boyfriend) will not smoke, drink, or put any drugs into his body because he sees no reason for it. He does what he wants and is happy with it and doesn't need drugs to feel better about himself. People in my family are judgmental of the people who look odd, or like 'losers' and aren't afraid to admit it.

The best part? They won't think twice about us going out with the youth from our church who all drink, smoke, and go clubbing. Its amazing to me that people who call themselves christian and who sit in church every sabbath will jump at the chance to label and judge people who choose to dress their own way and do what they love.

If you read this, revaluate the way you look at other people. At some point in time everyone has been discriminated against of labeled for how they look or what they do or say. Is there no way to stop the slander? Just by speaking up can we get people to think a little harder about what comes out of their mouths?

I know I'm not perfect, no one is, so i'm sure as people are reading this they will think of times that i've said something judgmental or hurtful and I'm sorry for that.

Seriously, the only way for things like this is to speak up. I know I will. Right now.