Often, those who tread off the beaten path are misunderstood or mischaracterized and so we asked folks from the community to reflect and tell us about the times they’ve been misunderstood or mischaracterized.

Elizabeth Reese

I think the work of historians is often misunderstood, partially due to the fact that the majority of the research process is solitary. A large part of my work as a public historian involves breaking down these barriers and showing just how historians work and share that work with others. Most people do not know how to read a letter or analyze a painting and think that historians are “gatekeeping” information. I think now more than ever it is vitally important to bring those walls down and let the public in. Read more>>

Cody Charles

Yes. I feel like because I cosplay in my music most people don’t understand it. There are those who first impression of me isn’t serious or some people even talk down or try to play me out.

A time this happened was my first time cosplaying during a performance everyone from the security at the door looked at me crazy like I was weird and out of my mind. When I got on stage a few recognized it and showed me love but once I performed everyone begin showing me love and respect. Read more>>

Kaitlyn Rohde

I’ve been misunderstood and mischaracterized more times than I can count especially when it comes to my health. Before I was diagnosed with EDS, Chronic Migraine, POTS, and many more, I spent years going to doctors trying to explain what was happening in my body and that there is something NOT right. The response was constantly followed by unsolicited advice such as: “you’re just anxious,” or “you’re probably just stressed.” It felt like no one was actually listening. For a while I’d walk out of my appointments questioning my own reality, wondering if I was somehow exaggerating what I was feeling, even though I knew deep down something was seriously wrong with my health. Read more>>

Nicole Hakola

I realize that my process is very unique. I don’t know of too many artists who bring God into their work. I also realize that a lot of people don’t believe in God, creating a fear that my artwork will only appeal to people with faith-based beliefs. But even that, many people who believe in God don’t believe that He can speak to you. Even as I type this paragraph, I risk being misunderstood and characterized as a spiritual freak or a psycho- “She hears voices”. I believe God created man and gave him a body, mind, and spirit. Your spirit connects with Him, you just have to learn to recognize it. Read more>>