Many times in life, we judge people by their appearance and our preconceived notions of society and individuals living in it.
While we’ve all been taught the “never judge a book by its cover” rule, many of us don’t practice this in our everyday lives. Instead, we make assumptions about people based on how they’re dressed and how they speak (sometimes on if they have tattoos and piercings, etc). Andy Ross went through a pretty insulting experience when he was in a store and encountered an uncomfortable situation with a little girl and her mother–essentially, because he was “dirty” and had tattoos.
So I had a very interesting “educational” conversation with a woman and her daughter today. As I entered the store before I got home, a little girl kept staring at me. Which is fine. I know that kids are curious when they see someone, especially as dirty as I was. They ended up in front of me as I was checking out. Little girl still staring, her mother told her to stop staring. As they finished and headed towards the door, I hear her mom say quietly to the little girl “that is why you need to stay in school”. I figured this was a great time to educate this mother and her 7/8 year old daughter. The following is our conversation:
First, I happen to be a very educated dirty man. I not only have a high school diploma, I also have a college degree and many medical certifications. So assuming that I am uneducated because of my appearance is actually quite ignorant in itself.
Secondly, if you are telling your daughter to stay in school because I have tattoos up and down my arms, that will actually suppress her creativity and potentially hinder her imagination as she develops. Again, contradictory to your point ma’am. I am proud of my tattoos and artwork that Forrest Bateman put on my body. It’s a representation of my pride in my country and my service over multiple combat tours as a special operations medic.Third, if you’re referring that statement to the hat (not featured) I’m wearing because it features an elk, you might not understand it. I happen to co-own Evergreen State Outdoors and am proud to own an outdoors company and support my rights to hunt and responsibly be a gun owner.
Finally, I chose to work in a construction industry. I am proud to say that I am apart of building America and I enjoy my job everyday. I tried working a desk job when I got out of the service and it wasn’t for me. I enjoy working with my hands and being outdoors. Subsequently, it comes with being dirty some days. I make good money, have benefits, and am able to provide for my family without issue. So my appearance reflects nothing to do with my level of intelligence or pursuing a higher level of education.
I left the the two with a simple final statement of “have a good day and try not to judge people before you know anything about them. Good luck with her little girl”
Today’s lesson for the day:
1- don’t judge people at first glance.
2-do what you love and enjoy and it’s never work.
3-blue collar jobs are the best jobs. They can pay great and it doesn’t always come with a price tag.
4-education is important, but college doesn’t guarantee you anything.
5- experience, hard work, and dedication allow you to be successful in your career path.
6-don’t be an asshole parent who raises their kids to be an asshole.
7- when attempting to insult someone’s intelligence and education level, don’t allow yourself to be out educated by said dirty man.
8- I need a shower.
People on Facebook were happy to see that Ross stood up for himself and explained to the woman and her daughter just who he is and what he represents–instead of walking away and allowing them to continue their ignorance.
