Stereotyping (6/26/14)

When you look at the guy picking up litter blowing in the wind along the interstate in a neon orange jumpsuit what are you thinking? How about when you see someone roll on by in a beat up late model rust bucket? We all fall victim to it at some point or another. We stereotype! It is the gut reaction from our first impressions.

So as you walk out the door how do you think you are being judged? I know based on the creation of a character called Average Joe I’m being judged all of the time because the character is based on my life. Most people I talk to after reading Average Joe’s Story like to say that I’m not an Average Joe, and I take exception with that. Mainly because their objection comes down to their characterization of the term, and I’m in the process of trying to redefine Average Joe. The other group will more than likely look down upon me. They won’t take the time to know anything about me, but they’ll immediately have there mind made up. I created the character the way that I did so that if I’m not feeling like getting all decked out I can roll in with jeans and a polo. Unfortunately that will be all some people see.

So figure out how you want to be stereotyped, and then present yourself accordingly. In the short run you are more likely to be successful if you follow that logic.