Having such a strong faith often leads to stereotypes, especially when attending a Catholic University. There is a stigma that comes with being Catholic especially within the college population. Though college is filled with supposed open minded people, there is still so much judgment given out.
There’s this reputation attached to those that are open about attending church on Sunday, who thank God for all they have and pray; those in touch with their spiritual side may not even speak about their faith but it is apparent in their actions and this results in judgment from peers.
I’ve been told, “You’re religious? That’s cute” or been referred to as "Mother Mary." The cringe-worthy jokes made about God and Catholicism come all too often, even more so being that I attend a Catholic University. I in turn am judged when making a disapproving comment about the offensive jokes. I’m not sorry that I cringe when I hear damn being said after the word God. I’m not sorry that I attend mass, that I take time out of my day to reflect and pray and that I have strong beliefs. The tattoo of a cross on my wrist is not something I did for show or a way in which I chose to throw my religious beliefs in other people’s faces, but it’s somehow interpreted in this way.
People assume that because I am Catholic, I’m a “goody-goody” who does no wrong. That I follow every rule, never curse, would never miss a day of class and would never be seen out on a Friday night. Why is this an automatic assumption? Maybe the issue is religious people are thought to be putting on a front of perfection, and looking down on those who do not follow a religion. Let it be known that I cannot speak for everyone, but I do not judge those who associate with being atheist, or who do not associate with any religion in particular, nor do I judge those who make snide comments about Catholics or offensive jokes about religion. All I ask for in return is the same, no judgment for being passionate about my source of strength, my faith. My relationship with God has kept me going through the worst of times and I am forever grateful for this, what I don’t understand is the negativity that comes from others for this.
