the Unknown

The past couple of blogs have been really easy to respond to, and though they were thought provoking they didn't take me too long to think of what it is that I wanted to say.  However, I struggle on this particular occasion to articulate exactly how I feel after this video, largely in part, possibly, to my own ignorance of the idea of a single story.  I think that to me it means a stereotype, a single story of someone that creates an image of a group of people as a whole.  I think that I see the idea of a single story carried out everywhere, and not usually in a positive way.  The looks I get when I say I am in a fraternity, or the thoughts people have when I say I'm a Dance major.  Even watching people react to other individuals on the streets, or in class.  The single story plays out in every aspect, however unfortunate it is.

I think one of the most interesting examples of a single story I have is the relationship I have formed with one of my best friends.  When we first met he was introduced to me as a member of the executive board for my fraternity, a all-boys high school graduate, and a bio-medical engineer.  I was new to being in a fraternity but when I first met this guy I thought he was going to be the biggest douche (for lack of a better word).  And our initial interactions were via email, and my early suspicions were seemingly coming true, mind you that electronic communication is a realm all its own.  However, when we actually met he was one of the most genuine individuals I had ever met, even if I was still really insecure and thought he hated me.  And now, almost two years later he is one of the best friends I will ever have and I thank god that my single-story was wrong.