Answer:
I know that humans are inherently individualistic, we all strive to take pride in what sets us apart, whether that’s readily apparent or not. We are individual creatures! We hear it all the time growing up: “You’re special!” “You’re unique!” “Be yourself!” Yet it seems like we forget that this statement of individualism can be applied to everyone. We are not unique in our uniqueness. So while we all think that uniqueness is a privilege given to just ourselves, the rest of the world that is not us is forced into sweet, confined stereotypes. I am infinitely troubled by stereotypes. As humans, we like things categorized, so we do it to our own kind. It’s like we’ve broken down humanity into a whole new animal kingdom within the human race.The strength of this feeling in me causes me to believe that other people feel this way too, right? I can’t be the only one who is scared of not knowing how to represent one’s self. So, I watch others for signs of honest desperation for self-identification, yet I often find that many individuals are happy in their boxes. Some even seem to build the box up for themselves. They find categories, boxes, and stereotypes and use them as their form of self-identification, an idea which frightens me. I suppose it can feel safe for some? A simple guide book on who to be and how to be based on how they see others within their chosen stereotype? But even still, with following the rules of their category, they still want to be seen. They want you to see their persona that they’ve worked so hard to curate. Whether it’s authentic or not, who can say? And maybe, I’m building a box for myself in the process of trying to go box-less, I just don’t want to get sorted and lost in the masses of cardboard.