I Am Not Perfect

So in my Honors World Literature class we have been learning about stereotypes. 
We did a chalk talk which is where the teacher writes a topic on the board, and WITHOUT talking the class basically brainstorms off of each others ideas on the board. Our topic for the chalk talk, was Stereotypes. It simply started with things such as; Religion, Race, Ethnicity, Heritage, Gender, Talents, and Skills. Then we were told to write down stereotypes for each subject. For example, I put Hypocrite underneath Religion. I am a Christian and I am constantly being stereotyped. The definition of a hypocrite is:



I have NEVER met a Christian who has claimed to be perfect. I have never claimed to be perfect. My church has never claimed to be perfect. I admit that I make mistakes. Therefore; I am not a hypocrite. If someone claims that they are perfect then that makes them a hypocrite, because nobody is perfect. I don't know. I guess that being stereotyped as a hypocrite just really bothers me because it holds so many people back from being Christians. 

Another stereotype that bothers me is that girls are weak, and we over exaggerate and that we are super emotional. The reason that we're quote on quote "emotional, weak," and we "over exaggerate," is because nobody gives us the time to express our feelings and listen to us. So when we get a chance to express our opinions and feelings we tend to vent. 

So I guess what I am trying to say is that stereotypes aren't true but they also aren't false. They are just not the complete truth, its exaggerated. So coming from someone who has been stereotyped her whole life; It hurts. I am strong. My feelings are valid and I have a right to be heard. I am smart. I am a Christian. I am not perfect. I am ME, and i'm not ashamed. 

Xoxo ~ Riley