By Chardonnay Beaver
Two years ago, social scientists conducted a research project explaining why an individual's physical appearance has a meaningful impact on their life experience and opportunities– according to an article published in Nevada Today.
This idea mirrors our superficial societal norms in regards to appearance. For Black and Brown communities, these norms have been used to sustain the margins one is socially assigned to.
For example, for decades Black women and girls were ostracized at school and in their workplace for wearing their natural hair. It wasn’t until recent, when the House passed the CROWN act, that discrimination on the basis of cultural hairstyles was banned.
This is simply one example of individuals being counted-out because of their God-given traits.
According to Merrium-Webster, physicality is defined as “intensely physical orientation: predominance of the physical usually at the expense of the mental, spiritual, or social.” When we measure an individual's abilities exclusively by their physical traits we perform a disservice.
Like a book, you’ll never truly discover the essence of a person until you hear their story. Rather than leading with your accomplishments, like a book cover has shiny accreditations, share your story. Storytelling counts us in. It evokes empathy and a greater sense of humanity.
We must narrate our abilities and not allow societal norms to make meaning of our essence.
Words of Wisdom by Char of the Week: You are much more than what meets the eye. Be willing to introduce yourself by sharing your story. In order to change the narrative, you have to change the narrator. Revelation 12:11
