people aren't always as they appear

How do you look at the people around you?
Do you judge them for how they appear?

Looks can be misleading.

Can someone really look mean?
Can someone really look nice?
Can someone really look smart?
Can someone really look irresponsible?

You may think so.
That would be a stereotype.

That person is wearing glasses, they must be smart.
That person is wearing tight pants, they must enjoy skateboarding.
That person isn't smiling, they must be a sad/angry person.
That person is laughing, they must be nice.
That person is sitting alone, they must not have friends.
That person is talking to him, they must be the same.
That person listens to a certain type of music, they must only hang out with those kinds of people.

Why do we stereotype?
Where do we end up?

That person won't want to talk to someone like me... I'll give them their space.
That person looks different than me... I'll just ignore them.
That person is really "insert stereotype"... lololol.

That person you're stereotyping, may be nothing like what you see them as.
That person you're stereotyping, may be exactly like what you see them as.
That person you're stereotyping, may have the potential to become your friend.
That person you're stereotyping, may have the potential to become your enemy.
That person you're stereotyping, may become only an acquaintance.
That person you're stereotyping, may become your closest friend.
That person you're stereotyping, may never see you again.
That person you're stereotyping, may turn out being everywhere.

It's hard not to place stereotypes on people.
That's why adults make such a big deal about first impressions.
...oops, I guess that was a stereotype.

Say hi to the new kid in your math class.
Wave at an old acquaintance.
Start up a conversation with that one kid you think you know, but have never really talked to.
Don't judge people before you know them.

Appearances can be deceiving.
Don't let yourself be the one who is deceived.