Jessica+M’s+2017+OpEd+Article



When you look at these two pictures, what do you see?

Yes, of course you see a group of Foothill students. But what do you really see as a whole?

The picture on the left is a class photo of my 4th period AP English class. And the picture on the right is a class photo of my 5th period AP American History class. A majority of are white. There is no diversity in the student body of the AmExers class. But even looking at Foothill as a whole, there is no variety in race, ethnicity, or nationally. Since Foothill is a new school, our population is still growing but that is no excuse for the overrule of Caucasians. Diversity is something we can't change ourselves, it's something we can't control. That is not the problem that bothers me. The stereotype that white people are smarter is what frustrates me. I don't blame the students for this. I don't blame Foothill for not having no diversity either. I do blame the people who believes in stereotypes. Every stereotype that exists is a load of bullshit.

Going to Foothill, there is always the assumption of being smart to have to get into this school. But no, it is a lottery. Being in AP and honors classes, there is always the assumption of us all being the top students at Foothill. But no, there is some of us who struggle, fail every test, and barely have a passing grade at the end of each semester. I hate the idea of stereotypes. I hate the idea of people creating a concept of me on what they see instead of who I am. I hate I have to act a certain way because of my sex and nationally.The thought of generalizing people into different categories based on how they appear, what school they go to, what sport they play, etc. is insane. No, not all men are not always strong and do all the work. Yes, some girls can watch and like sports and not be lesbian. No, not all Mexicans are illegal. No, not all Muslims are terrorists. No, not all black are criminals. And no, not all people who go to Foothill are smart. There are stereotypes in our everyday lives, we can't hid from them. Every person is labelled with an either negative or positive stereotype. We are criticized on how we look, our clothes, how we act, and the people we hang around with.

We live in a world full of expectations. Stereotypes are deeply rooted into our society so it's is hard to run away from them since they been there with you your entire life. We have to face the labels that was put on us. The judgement you encounter is something you should learn from. Learn how to face the people against you and stand up for yourself. Don't believe stereotypes define you. They don't control you. You label yourself.