I have to say that Joe Mulvey’s blog, DisCiPLinEd IrrEveREncE (still hard to type), is a really interesting read that shows how difficult overcoming a stereotype can be. The premise behind his series, It’s time to find out what you REALLY know about comics, is his attempt at opening up the readership of the comics genre. Considering that we all grew up with comics, it wouldn’t seem like such a hard task. But also considering that once we reach adulthood, we are shackled by preconceptions that skew our observations, it’s not an easy task at all.
I’m only part of the way through his interviews, and I actually cringed at a few of the types of people that he interviewed. I guess that since I consider myself to be fairly open-minded (at least I try to be), I never expected that people would be quite so close-minded about a genre that many people simply find to be immature. Although I have to say that all things considered lately, I’m not a big fan of maturity anymore. No, I’m not saying that being a juvenile is the way to go, but that a child’s ability to see past the surface into the imagination is something that we should never lose. That wonder is what’s necessary to create and inspire.
I think that if we all had a little more wonder in our minds, then we would be more open to trying new experiences. Sure, not all experiences are meant for everyone. I wouldn’t suggest that my mom go to a UFC match. Or that I put my husband through the “tortures” of watching a chick flick. But I would at least like them to be open-minded enough that they would at least consider it should I ask. Because I know that’s what they would expect from me. That’s what I try to do when other’s ask me to see their point of view. If the point of view is likely to cause an argument by derailing emotions, then simply consider the person you’re with and the venue before you start the conversation. Because some conversations will never end with both people intact.
Some of his interviewees must have never had a childhood. Or if they did, they forgot the joys of it. When you simply insult a person for being different from what you perceive as correct, then you’re also hurting yourself with your narrow-mindedness. Correct can change depending on the circumstance. Try to imagine what the world would be like if all of those wondrous things weren’t in it. Not a very pretty picture, huh?
Stereotypes have always meant to be something of an emotional harbinger. I mean that they are meant for you to have particular expectations without ever getting to know the individual. Needless to say, stereotypes do not help. If you think about it, is there such a thing as a good stereotype? None that I can think of. If you choose to not accept that the unknown can be a learning experience, then you’ve chosen to limit your knowledge. And with limited knowledge comes prejudice and limitations.
So, give the unexpected a serious try with an open mind. And if you’re planning on taking up Joe on his offer to give comics a try, well, at least give it an honest try. I don’t know how much more Joe can take from beating his head against those brick walls.
