We hold all people to unspoken rules about who and how they should be, how they should think, and what the should say. We say we hate stereotypes but take issue when people deviate from those stereotypes.
The quote from Roxane Gay's book "Bad Feminist" highlights the hypocrisy in how society treats individuals based on stereotypes. Despite claiming to oppose stereotypes, people often impose unspoken expectations on others regarding their beliefs, behaviors, and identities. This creates a contradiction where deviation from these norms is often met with disapproval, exposing the insincerity in claims of valuing diversity.
Gay's observation suggests that there exists a tension between the desire for acceptance and the pressure to conform. It calls for a reflection on how societal expectations can limit personal expression and alienate those who don't fit conventional molds. By recognizing these unspoken rules, there is an opportunity to foster greater understanding and acceptance of individual differences.
