It is okay to be different - AIESEC in The Netherlands

It is okay to be different

When you look up normal in the dictionary, this (or anything similar) is the definition that you will get. Although this definition probably wouldn’t surprise you, it is still a pretty vague description. Who decides what is the conforming standard, usual, typical, or expected?

Today we live in a world in which people tell you to be different, but deep down, we all like to be ‘normal’. To me, normal is just an average of the behaviour that people are conforming to, at a specific time, place and within a group or specific society. If you have watched Friends, this quote will probably sound familiar to you:

‘’You know I’m an ice dancer, all my friends are gay, I was just trying to fit in’’ – Duncan, Friends S2:E4, The one with Phoebe’s Husband.

And although the support for being different is growing each and every day, people still tend to judge others a lot when they are not conforming to a specific norm. Discrimination, for example, is also a case of judging people because they are not conforming to a norm. It is not okay to make fun of people because of their skin colour, their language difficulties or any other reason. I truly hope that everyone will agree with these words and that everyone would want to live in a world in which people can be just themselves. However, racism, for example, is still a big problem. With the current coronavirus spreading, Chinese people in the Netherlands get harassed and called names, just because they look Asian.

The positive side

On the other hand, sometimes being different equals getting praised. This is happening to redheads for example. Years ago, children were bullied for their red hair, while today (with an occasional exception), redheads get a lot of compliments. In addition, the amount of red-headed people in tv shows and advertisements is extreme. Besides that getting compliments is always nice, it also makes dealing with negativity a lot easier. Although, those occasional names will probably make people want to be normal, even if it is just for once.

With this blog, I would like to make people aware of the fact that everyone should be able to be happy with themselves and be able to truly accept themselves. This will only be possible, once everyone starts to accept ‘different’ people, for who they truly are.

Just some facts

If you find yourself in a place in which people do not accept you for who you are, then the following arguments might make you feel better, and help you embrace your diversity:

1. Different people tend to be more creative

Science shows that being unique (and even being rejected by your direct society) can increase a person’s creativity. You being different than people in your environment will probably make sure that you provide solutions or ideas that are also different than those in your environment.

2. You will develop true and lasting friendships

It might be hard for you to conform to a specific norm, and make good friends. However, the few people in life that you do get along with will probably stay friends for life.

3. Being different prepares you for dealing with disappointments and success in life

Although this is quite a sad argument, in the end, getting rejections lets you deal with disappointments. Moreover, since ‘different people’ oftentimes prove themselves to others, they often times work very hard. This work ethic will lead to great success.

So remember that being different is a good thing. Of course, people can be different than what you are used to, but doesn’t make this an interesting world to live in? Probably the world would be pretty boring if there wouldn’t be any diversity.

This post was written by AIESEC in the Netherlands. We offer international voluntary projects and professional internships with the aim of developing leadership in youth. Read more of our experience stories here.

Read more
The essence of feminism

The essence of feminism

How can we transmit the essence of feminism? -by Iasmina Caramidariu A lot of people are reluctant when it comes to feminism and gender equality. It still seems like a TABOO for people to talk about. Why is it so? Why is feminism seen in a bad name even if it's just a...

Climate Action in Italy

Climate Action in Italy

I will take you on a journey of climate action, joy, tears, and development through Italy. It was the 1st of June 2021 when I decided that I will go on a volunteering project with AIESEC  in Torino. I decided that I want to be part of the change. Bringing my...

How to make your marketing internship a success?

How to make your marketing internship a success?

When you look through the AIESEC opportunity portal and search for Global Talent projects, you come across loads of business and marketing internship. Lucky for you if you are interested in doing one of those! But you might wonder why there are so many? Well, that is...

Your exchange packing list

Your exchange packing list

As the summer vacation is approaching, so are many volunteering projects and internships. But what to pack on such a new exciting experience? Even if you have been abroad many times and are an expert in packing, there are sure to be moments when you miss a thing or two. To help you have the best preparation for your project, or any other vacation, we made a special AIESEC exchange packing list!

Inspired, empowered and ready for change: The story of four young leaders in the contemporary world

Inspired, empowered and ready for change: The story of four young leaders in the contemporary world

When we talk about young leaders, people quickly think of Greta Thunberg or Mark Zuckerberg, due to their media attention or Greta’s well-known, activist speeches on climate change. But more quietly, the world is packed with young, inspirational leaders, trying to create a more stable, sustainable and inclusive world for future generations, minority groups or the society they are part of.

Discovering culture in Morocco: An exchange to Marrakech

Discovering culture in Morocco: An exchange to Marrakech

When I decided to participate in the Nour project of AIESEC, I felt like I did something impulsive yet brave. I never went abroad on my own before. I always had people I could depend on like friends and family. This time I wanted to challenge myself by doing this project on my own, and I wanted to discover and embrace another culture.

3 Inspiring TED talks on inequality

3 Inspiring TED talks on inequality

We’ve pulled together some inspiring TED talks for you to watch about inequality. The speakers in these videos describe their view on inequality and what the world needs in order to change this. Let these people inspire you, to create new ways of thinking about inequality and the road to changing this.

4 Tips to make your CV stand out

4 Tips to make your CV stand out

On average, recruiters spend 5 to 7 seconds screening a CV before deciding whether to continue with the applicant or not. It equals the average time that we spend looking at an Instagram post on our feed. So, here are some tips that can help your CV stand out in a large pool of applicants.

My AIESEC volunteering project in Italy

My AIESEC volunteering project in Italy

In January 2020 I participated in an AIESEC Project on environment and sustainability in Castellana Grotte, Italy. I was lucky to stay six weeks in one of the most beautiful small villages I have been to. My work was about teaching the kids in the local Highschool on the UN SDGs and sustainability. My fellow AIESEC students were so kind to pick me up in Bari. They made sure I was safe and showed me how to travel to my destination.

Interested?

Take the first step.

Book a free consultation call in one of our cities to explore your opportunities!