I view myself as a nice, smart and fun-loving person. If I
were to have to describe myself in one word, however, I would choose to
describe myself as passionate. I know what I want out of life, and I won’t
settle for anything less than that. Though I am aware of the typical stereotype
of a blonde sorority girl who comes from a wealthy family, I do not allow
others to categorize me in that fashion. I think it’s extremely important,
especially in today’s world, to break apart from any specific stereotype that
you may be initially branded with.
A good example to look at is Gossip Girl’s character, Serena van der Woodsen. From an outsider looking in, she falls into the stereotype of
the brainless blonde girl with daddy’s credit card; however from an insider’s
perspective, such as her close friends and family, you are able to see that she
is a genuine, smart, and passionate young woman. Being able to relate to Blake
Lively’s character makes it even more important to break apart from my initial
branded stereotype. I try to take everything that I have been so privileged to
learn and see from my family and convey it with my personality. My parents have
taught me to be kind to everyone and help others whenever need be, to always keep
my head up high and strive for success. Life gives you opportunities every single
day, and I believe that it is important to take those opportunities to better
yourself and the people around you.
 |
| Gossip Girl's Serena van der Woodsen |
In general, I want people to see me the way I see myself,
and after my initial stereotype is broken, I think most people do. However, the
different demographics in my life will always have slightly different
perceptions of my identity. My closest friends and family, who know me down to the
core, do not view me the same way that my professor probably views me. I would never
tell my professor all of the things that my mom knows or my best friends know, but
human nature has formed us to be that way. This may sound initially negative, but I believe it’s just a part of human nature.
We allow others to perceive us differently based on the connections and
affiliations we have with them.
All in all, I passionately believe that it is our duty to
break out of our stereotypes that we may be initially branded with. Everyone
has a negative stereotype they may be categorized as, however, that doesn’t
give us permission to fall into that category. Though people
may come off a certain way, they are most likely very different once you get to
know them. I try my hardest for people to view “Caroline Duley” as an
all-around great girl. With a genuine and passionate personality, anyone is
able to have others view themselves in the light that they want to be seen in.
