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.

Ramon and Kuturah Tutwiler

We feel some people have a misconception when it comes to the word Hustler. Read more>>

Big U

People have a big issue with assuming things, so people always tend to skew the vision an artist or creative intended. Think it’s something that’s been around since before radio broadcasting and common media we see today. When Van Gogh was alive he was selling paintings for pennies, because they didn’t see or understand his point of view. Read more>>

Alexandria Mooney Jones

As an artist that works with such an unusual medium it can be challenging to convey to people how my artwork is made and the process that goes into creating it. Speaking with people in-person gives me an opportunity to explain everything and the reactions that come from people finding out the work is created using fireworks, is quiet fun. A lot of shock and amazement. Using video monitors to show clips of me working has been very helpful. Read more>>

Rockford Rockwelz Forbes

I’ve been misunderstood with my music as well as in life period. I’ve went from school teachers suggesting I needed professional help to being one of the first hiphop artists to perform at Long Islands WBLI Summer Jam. At a stadium that size I wouldn’t doubt some of those same teachers paid to see me perform. Who doesn’t like a great success story am I right? Read more>>

Geekset Podcast

Here at Geekset we’re representatives of the Blerd [Black Nerd] community which is highly mischaracterized and under represented. What’s unique about this culture is that there are tons of us around the world, but the mass media still represents us as one sole person, Steve Urkel. The Black Nerd is always the butt of the jokes, portrayed as uncool or quirky and in reality that’s not the majority of us. So we not only live the norm, but we put forth an effort to showcase the diversity within the culture through interviews, content, highlights and just reporting on the culture. Read more>>

Marlena Werdebaugh.

Many people believe that to accomplish a specific goal there is a specific way to do it. Everyone has their methods and things that they learn along the way. The real truth lies in experience and begins when you stop letting other people shape your reality with their opinions. Becoming a model is something anyone can do, finding a lifestyle within the realm of it that suits your artistic and ambition preference is up to you. Read more>>

David Charles

Yes! With music/composing I think it happens all the time. The mass public, partly through humans being humans and partly through mainstream media and music industry manipulation, seem to be terrifyingly easily tricked into assuming certain music could or should come from a particular type of person/background/persona… Read more>>