By Alec Capurso
"But I believe that slowly, but surely, we’re beginning to see people in dimensions instead of just diameter."
We’ve all seen stereotypes in films, television, books and other forms of media that are still being seen today. For example, that pretty blond girl we’ve seen on that romantic teen drama on Netflix. And that world-weary private eye in that neo-noir thriller shown in theaters. Or that robot that learns the meaning of love in that science fiction novel you just purchased. Everyone has all come to expect the expected and with every rehash and remake we’ve seen, it only exemplifies our strong sense of stereotyping. I am also guilty of basing my stereotypes on my judgment, so it can happen to anyone. But, stereotyping has grown beyond what we see on the page or screen and has become our current reality!
It’s not that surprising that we’ve become so accustomed to the views that influence our ideas. When we put the things we see through a straightforward lens, it makes understanding a whole lot easier. Stereotyping equals simplicity in this scenario, where we don’t give it much thought. I mean, who wants to go into such deeper analysis about a rock star playing our favorite song? We stereotype because it keeps our questions limited and we don’t give it too much input to care. I also want things to be simple, but real life is anything but. We should be wary about how we use it against other people that we don’t know.
We take one look at people and we immediately assume that they fit in the proper mold we placed them. That’s especially true with those of us in the neurodiverse department, who’ve struggled to show others how capable we truly are. People who are supposed to show us how to properly thrive have placed us in a stereotype! They take one look at us with our limited motor functions, our short attention-span, and our lack of communication skills without much deeper analysis and come to their own conclusions. With those conclusions, we get placed in mental hospitals and given useless prescriptions that change nothing. Why can’t they see what’s behind the stereotype and actually see us?
But I believe that slowly, but surely, we’re beginning to see people in dimensions instead of just diameter. The more we start to see, the better we learn to not judge a book by its cover. Evolution truly begins when we change our thought processes to look past the stereotype. It may happen years or even centuries from now, but who ever said that change was quick and easy? What people need is the drive to begin those efforts, not just wait for something to happen to make it change. I never said that stereotyping is bad, just that it can be used in the wrong way that leads to more damage then we intended. In order for us to remedy this, we have to take the time to learn and grow ourselves.
That goes especially for those who have neurodiverse employees who are a lot more skilled than people might think. We all deserve to be seen in a different light, especially if it’s been in an unflattering one. We’re not just helpless victims who need assistance in everything. We can learn and change our ways if we’re given the chance to be seen. But it depends on you if we deserve it or you continue to see us through another lens. It’s up to all of us to change the stereotype.
