There is little that is more annoying than a person who prejudges you. It is in an impossible situation where nothing you say or do will better their perception of you. The tendency to do this is a deficiency of the small-minded and one of the greatest obstacles to communication between two people. It protracts stereotypes, intensifies misunderstanding and reinforces ignorance.
I have made it a point in my life to attempt to keep an open mind. I do my best not to allow prejudice, preconception and opinion to cloud my perception of a person or situation. Unfortunately, the favor is not often returned.
Recently, while having dinner with my girlfriend's mother, I encountered just this situation. It became readily apparent that she had already decided what kind of a person I was. My long, blue hair and less-than-conservative way of dress had given her all of the information she needed to know about me. Not only were my words and actions irrelevant, but rather than giving me the common courtesy of listening to my conversation, she was contemplating her next statement while I was speaking, responding to me with noncommittal "hmm's" and "oh's".
Normally, when I am faced with someone's parent who is acting like a child, I play the part of the adult, and that night was no different. I was polite, well mannered and paid for dinner over the protest of both Abby and her mother. But I have had enough. If I am not going to be judged by my words and deeds, then I don't care what kind of perception Abby's mother has of me. There is nothing I can do but continue being who I am. Her ignorance is her loss, not mine.
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