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.

Meaghan Simpson

Sitting in the office of a New York City casting agent I was debating in my head whether to tell this guy off and storm out, or bite my tongue and listen to his advice calmly. Earlier that day I was walking towards that same meeting with a spring in my step. I was about to get my first agent! Finally the “in” you need to be seen by the theatres, producers, and casting directors that can make a career. Read more>>

Rose Marie Bey.

have always been misunderstood. I feel I AM not allowed to show a spectrum of emotions. I’m either expected to be “turnt-in-your-face-activist” Rose or a Super Saint. That’s it. Anything outside of that seems to get me in trouble lol. There isn’t one instance in particular that sticks out. I feel there’s a collective—a myriad of experiences that have left me a bit guarded and jaded over time. Read more>>

Ti Steele.

I wouldn’t say that my work has been mischaracterized, but more so, that my work has caused me to be misunderstood in some cases. If you asked me, I would deny any major impact, but through casual conversations and compliments in passing, I’ve gathered that the outsider’s perception of me is much grander than what I experience in my mind’s eye. I know this isn’t a unique experience, but it is profound. Let me explain further. Read more>>

Mar Lopez.

Growing up I was a really quiet and shy girl. I was always questioned why I was so quiet. It made me feel like there was something wrong with me. I couldn’t understand why people couldn’t just take me as I was. I just focused on doing well in school so that I could have a great career in the future. I was blessed with a great career opportunity in corporate but again was always being pointed out for being so quiet. Read more>>

Kat Mesaros

Kat’s Crystals and Curiosities started out as a way for me to share my knowledge of the metaphysical with people. The metaphysical and being misunderstood seem to go hand and hand in today’s society. While it is becoming more widespread, there is still a lot of prejudice and confusion surrounding the occult and metaphysical. The definition of metaphysics is literally “beyond physics” or “a study of what is outside objective experience.” Read more>>