Mom once said that to assume is to make an ass of u and me.
WYFP is our community's Saturday evening gathering to talk about our problems, empathize with one another, and share advice, pootie pictures, favorite adult beverages, and anything else that we think might help. Everyone and all sorts of troubles are welcome. May we find peace and healing here. Won't you please share the joy of WYFP by recommending?
I assume you'll join me below the croissant. (At least, I
assume that's a croissant.)
There's a lot of stereotyping and generalizing among conservatives today. But even for us progressives, it's easy to fall into the trap of making assumptions that are simply untrue. It happens - we're all human.
We all remember the offensive incident that took place in Oklahoma a couple weeks ago, when a few members of a fraternity made an awful racist chant. That whole episode sickened me for two reasons. First is the obvious - it’s racist, offensive, and immature. But there's another reason it disgusted me: it goes against every impression I’ve ever had of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
Now, I never joined a fraternity during my undergraduate days. I had a lot on my plate back then. But I did come to respect most of the fraternities and sororities at Central Michigan University. And of all of the Greek organizations on campus, I held the highest regard for Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Almost every interaction I had with SAE members - in student government, residence life, and everything else - was positive. They demonstrated respect, integrity, and commitment in all they said and did.
Fortunately, the friendships I made with people at CMU - including many with SAE members - helps me avoid the assumptions that many people picked up after what happened in Oklahoma.
I say this because incidents like the one in Oklahoma often reinforce stereotypes that many people have of other people - young people, fraternities, or Oklahomans, for instance.
And we all pay the price.
There are many attributes about me that could lead others - and often have led others - to make assumptions about me that simply aren't true:
* I'm a man, but I'm not that physically strong - lifting heavy objects is not my forte. Also, I do put the seat down. ;-)
* I'm young, but I vote and am involved in civic affairs.
* I'm from West Michigan, but I'm progressive.
* I'm both gay and Catholic.
* I own a business, but by no means am I wealthy. (It's still a startup - and it can be a while before a startup takes off!)
* I live in a suburb, but I don't think I'm a snob...
So My FP for tonight: stereotypes. Being stereotyped, seeing my friends stereotyped, and those times when I, in my weakness, made a false assumption about someone else. (After all, most of us have.)
What's your f***ing problem?