I see hundreds of people a day, sometimes thousands, on campus. Even though this college isn't the best "melting pot," there is at least some variation in culture. It's just recently occured to me, however, what creates the kind of ignorance that is prevalent in areas like Mid-Michigan.
The popular theory is that "people fear what they do not know." So...that makes a lot of sense.
Whenever you mention going to Detroit, or Flint, or Saginaw, the first thing that comes to the native from the thumb's mind is "hope you're wearing neutral colors." Granted, we have 3 of the top 10 cities with the highest crime rates in the country, but that still shouldn't scare someone to the point that they can't wear their favorite blue bandana.
Unfortunately, this thought process has lasted for generations. So most of these kids that are afraid of Detroit are only scared because their parents were too chicken to take them into the city and go to the zoo.
So...the kids have no choice but to buy into the stereotypes provided for them through movies and 5 o'clock news, because they've never been there to see it for themselves.
The circle of life, I suppose.
If I have any pet peeves, it's ignorance. (That usually covers a lot of things, but I like thinking that having a short list of hot buttons makes me a better person :p)
But even I have trouble sometimes getting over the stereotypes of people and entertaining the idea that maybe...just maybe...there is actually a real person trying to order coffee.
Even if they are gangsters, everyone's allowed to enjoy a white mocha once in a while.
BUT...
I have decided that no matter what race you are, if you have long hair in a pony tail, a goatee, and ask if I have any free water as you menacingly take a bite out of your green apple...you look like a murderer.
n/a
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