By Karma Christine Salvato
Acceptance.
All humans crave it, yet some feel it is unobtainable.
Have you ever felt like you didn’t fit in? Perhaps someone said something that made you feel like an outsider? There have been moments when I have felt like Sandra Dee from “Grease” —who simply wants to be accepted without being ridiculed for her quirks, or who she is as a person.
Rejection is never easy. It always hurts.
Pepperdine has such a hodgepodge of individuals and organizations that one would think there would be a place for everyone. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Even if you do find a group you feel comfortable around, total acceptance isn’t guaranteed. Sometimes an inconsiderate remark is all it takes to make someone feel alienated.
As a society, we need to learn how to take people for who they are without expecting them to change. As an educational institution that prides itself on its reputation, we need to stop being legalistic about who does or does not fit the “Pepperdine profile” and treat everyone equally.
For those who judge someone before taking the time to get to know him or her — shame on you. It is unwise, and rather cruel, to let assumptions, perceptions and preconceived notions about a person define who you think he or she is. An individual’s personality will only become apparent once he or she is allowed the freedom to live without being judged.
Someone who doesn’t shop at Tiffany & Co. or drive a high-class vehicle is no less of a person. With or without the fancy accessories every person deserves to be loved unconditionally.
Pepperdine is a peculiar place.
A dichotomy of thought permeates our campus. On one hand there is the deeply spiritual side, and on the other it is all about how you look and what you drive.
Image pervades our campus so strongly that I often wonder if some people are here to put on a daily fashion show or if they are here to learn. Not to say that dressing nicely is a bad thing — it’s not at all. Just be sure that if you are one of the people who hikes across campus in Steve Madden pumps and matching bag, or an Abercrombie & Fitch ensemble, you aren’t mocking someone who can’t afford to shop at such prestigious places.
Our differences make us special. The prejudgment of others must end.
Intentionally, or even unintentionally, alienating someone based solely on age, race, sexual orientation or physical appearance, destroys potential friendships and ruins lives. Lack of acceptance is what spirals many into self-destructive habits like eating disorders and violence possibly leading to suicide or murder.
Disregarding someone based on something insignificant could cause you to miss out on some truly inspirational people with encouraging stories to tell.
Next time you are about to comment on someone’s style, age, background or upbringing — think about how you feel when someone criticizes you.
November 07, 2002
