Can y'all tell me what you think of my Final before I turn it in?
Beyond The Image
In a world that encourages diversity and inclusion, it is concerning to see how often people are still ostracized by their physical appearance or perceived abilities. Whether it is someone in a wheelchair, someone who has visible scars such as me, or someone who might not communicate as clearly as the average person. Society often creates assumptions that may distort reality. Unfortunately, these mentalities that we create can be not only unbalanced but also harmful.
Judging others by their appearance or disability can often lead to exclusion, discrimination and quite regularly distress. These judgements can frequently stem from stereotypes, or misinformation, rather than reality and the truth. For example, someone with a disability may be perceived as less intelligent or unable to comprehend certain information, this is not only incorrect-it’s dehumanizing. Such assumptions can create borders and fear of understanding someone and their ability to do great things in this world. It may also create limitations for what may be open and available to someone with a fantastic ability to comprehend what others aren’t able.
Every person has an origin story shaped by their experiences, legacies and accomplishments. Physical appearance is just one of the steppingstones they faced on their journey. When we judge someone by looking at the surface, we miss the opportunity of learning different perspectives, and we fail as humans ourselves to grow as individuals. Many people with disabilities or unconventional appearances have overcome incredible feats, developed resilience, and posses that of which may empower and improve our own lives-if we take the time to listen.
Empathy is the cure for judgement, not to be confused with sympathy. Empathy is when someone can relate to painful, difficult, or even successful experiences. Sympathy is when someone feels bad for someone else but cannot relate. By educating ourselves about different conditions, disabilities and the impact of societal bias, we can begin the process of deconstructing the harmful and sometimes detrimental assumptions and views. In a college setting where ideas, cultures and identities cross paths fostering and catering to an inclusive environment is not only a moralistic responsibility, but a foundation for meaningful communication. When we choose to view people for who they are rather than their appearance or movements we open ourselves to evolution as not only individuals but also as a society.
Judging others by their appearance or abilities is a habit rooted in ignorance and fear of what we don’t understand. However, we have the power to change that. After reviewing and studying the different versions of communication this semester, we must lead by example-choosing empathy over assumptions, curiosity over fear. Let us commit to seeing beyond the image.