‘It hurts more than you can imagine to be called names’

To the editor:

There is a growing problem that we must face if we want to continue to be a nation. You may be killing peoples’ hopes and dreams, and maybe them. They might be committing suicide because they are ashamed of being who they are. Stereotyping is a growing problem in our home of America. If we stop this, our world will be much better. If we can stop accusing people of being what they’re not, we as a state and as America can be much happier.

I have been stereotyped before — as a nerd, a dork, hillbilly redneck, and even as a “retard.”

It hurts more than you can imagine to be called names and be labeled as something you’re not. Just because I, or anyone else, wears glasses, is smart, loves the outdoors or has a hard time learning does not — I repeat, does not — mean they are any one of these things. The more people we can get to stop stereotyping the better. I hope you will support me. Thank you.

Corey Vargason

Eighth grade

Colony Middle School