Let's walk a mile

Diversity is all around us in many ways, shapes, and forms.  It is in our apartments, our dorms, our classes and even on the street.  Diversity can be gender, race, religion, anything that sets us apart from someone else.  Because people are so different from one another stereotypes are very common. Stereotypes are something that can be fixed with conscious thought.  

"Walk a mile in someone else's shoes" is a very common saying that has so much meaning behind it.  When you see someone on the street or in class all you see are their physical qualities.  You don't know what they have been through and the life they have led to get to Iowa State.  No two people's stories are quite the same.  "Everywhere you go and everyone you see, remember that your eyes can be your enemies."  This is a lyric to one of my favorite songs and it is very true.  Just because you interpret a scene one way it doesn't mean that is it the right way.  

Our class with Denise was really eye opening. When we had to describe the pictures of the man and woman things came out that were shocking.  Most of us didn't consider how they looked at themselves but rather how we looked at them.  The best way to change the world is to change yourself.  Changing those first, judgmental thoughts can help keep stereotypes down.  Helping others see that there could be more to a simple situation can also stop stereotypes and diversity.  It's a big deal that with a little help from everyone can be fixed.