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To understand where this is coming from you need to understand a few basic facts about who I am. I am 5 feet 1 inch tall and am known among friends for being the cute and sweet one. The baby fat that never really went away is normally clad in baby blues and pinks from the Gap. And, oh yeah, I work for bikers.
Here’s the usual scenario: when I walk into an executive board meeting for the United Bikers of Maine I am surround by mostly older men wearing black leathers and jeans. Tattoos and piercing are nothing out of the ordinary. I walk in and take my seat near the back of the Legion Hall where the meetings are held and begin to write notes. And then, one of them will see me and say “Hey darlin’, how’re you doin’” or call me “sweetie” and I will remember that they are some of the nicest people I’ve met in a long time.
So, this is probably the point where you’re thinking, “Hey, who the hell is she hanging out with if she thinks bikers are sweet?” And, to answer that, take a good look at your friends. It’s pretty likely that I know one or have met one. I’m surrounded by college students and professors just like everyone else.
I think it comes down to a basic discussion of stereotypes and how terribly wrong they can really be. I’m not going to bore you by going into the basic rant about stereotypes and how you’re evil if you buy into them. People who give you that lecture are full of it.
My theory is that people only buy into stereotypes when they haven’t experienced the lifestyle they are talking about. Case in point: Most people, when they hear I work for bikers, are mortified that a sweet, little college girl like me could be consorting with “that type.” And what I tell people is that the bikers I’ve met have been more respectful, honest and kind to me than some of my professors have been. Sure, I am probably not going to go hang out with Ted and Sonny – a couple Exiles I have had the honor of meeting – on a weekend but I have no problems working with them because I can respect their lifestyle.
What I cannot respect is a person who can’t or won’t make an effort to get to know the other guy. Sure, I’m probably a huge hypocrite who is guilty of stereotyping people but, then again, who isn’t. The point is a kudos to those people who can look past preconceived notions to find a little more truth.
So as word to the wise, mostly for graduating seniors and incoming freshmen who are about to get slapped in the head with reality: Close your eyes and listen to a person’s voice or look into a person’s eyes before you make a decision about a personality or moral values. What you see and hear might just surprise you. And always keep a sense of humor. People who can’t laugh at themselves and their preconceived notions get ulcers and inoperable brain tumors.
Kimberly Leonard is a senior journalism major.
