As a person who wears glasses, it is easy to see the stereotypes society puts on us and media portrayals in television. Also, if you don't wear glasses maybe, this will put to rest some of the stereotypes you have heard or thought of towards those who do.
1. I must be blind or not able to see anything if I take them off.
This is not true! It depends on your vision. Nearsighted and farsighted are two different things. This determines whether you need reading glasses or glasses to wear regularly. For instance, being nearsighted is when you can see things closer to you clearly, such as a restaurant menu opposed to a street sign, and visa versa for farsighted.
2. I’m in the honors program, smart, or really good at math.
In college and in some instances in high school, others have the impression that wearing glasses gives me some greater knowledge on these subjects. I promise you it doesn’t! I’m not great with numbers or the periodic table nor did I take all honors courses in high school and I'm not in my college's honor program. My strength is English, sometimes history, and that's about it.
3. I’ve worn glasses my whole life.
Many times in my life people have asked me, “What is it like to always wear glasses?” In fact, I didn’t get glasses until the fifth grade. Some may get glasses when they are toddlers, or some may not need them until later on in life. Getting glasses or finding out your need for them happens at different times in life for everyone.
4. Wearing glasses isn’t permanent and, eventually I’ll get contacts.
Countless times, I have received the notion that, for some reason, these glasses I wear everyday are only temporary. As if, for some reason, it is socially ideal to wear contacts versus glasses. There is nothing wrong with wearing contacts, but there is also the option to wear glasses.
5. I don’t mind if people ask me why I don’t wear contacts.
This is one of the questions I have been asked as a person who wears glasses. To be honest, I have been asked this question so many times that I already have go-to answers memorized in my head. It would be nice for a glasses-wearer to avoid this question, but inevitably, it will be a part of your normal life.
6. I’m used to walking in the rain with my glasses on.
One of the "fun" parts about having to wear glasses is when it’s raining. It’s kind of sad when you can see better with your glasses off then on, because it’s raining and your glasses look like a rain-splattered windshield on a car. Then, the other fun part comes when you have to take them off and clean them with the bottom of your shirt like many common glasses-wearers have to do. Then after that, you put them back on and rain covers your lenses, blocking your vision all over again. The struggle is real.
7. I forget that I have them on.
Many people have come up to me and say “Oh, you wear glasses?” In my head, I can’t help but wonder, “Yes, I am. Do you not think I’m aware of that?” As if, somehow, I completely forgot what is on my nose, goes around my eyes and what I see through. When I woke up this morning, I put my glasses on, and I promise you, I am completely conscious of what I put on my face.
8. I’m quiet, reserved or not as loud.
Many people assume those who wear glasses are quiet, shy or reserved. For some reason, putting one object on your face to improve your vision correlates to an individual’s personality. While this could well be the personality of someone who wears glasses, it is not true for all glasses-wearers. Besides, not everyone who doesn’t wear glasses is a social butterfly, bubbly or gregarious. Basically, don’t judge a book by its cover.
9. I’m used to the “four eyes” joke and I don’t mind it.
Family and friends have all mentioned the “four eyes” joke to me. While seen as poking fun or trying to contribute humor to a situation, I don’t think many people realize how tired glasses-wearers are of hearing it! We are mindful of the fact that our vision is not on par with yours, so please, do us a favor and don’t remind us. In addition, while many of us just nod and laugh with this common joke, we’d much rather appreciate it if you would avoid this reference altogether.
10. I know how to solve other people’s problems.
For some reason, in certain situations, people have assumed that if you wear glasses, you have this extra edge on knowledge or this unknown wisdom that can help people solve their problems. For instance, “That person wears glasses, let’s ask them. They must be smart. They look wise.” Again, just because we wear this object on our faces, it doesn’t mean that we can solve your problems any better than you can.
11. I must be a nerd.
A classic stereotype presented in several forms of media is that people who wear glasses must be a nerd. This is not true! While I classify myself as a nerd, it doesn’t mean that it is fair to put that label on other people. Plus, I’m not a person who enjoys video games, comic books and reading copious amounts of material generalized with the term of “nerd”. People can be a “nerd” in different ways. For example, I love old films and consistently listen to older music such as The Beatles, Frank Sinatra and Patsy Cline. I love watching musicals and writing in my spare time. Everyone is unique and has different things they enjoy. Therefore, don’t judge.
12. I’m ashamed of it.
In movies and other forms of media, people have portrayed the character who is ashamed to wear glasses in a world full of 20/20. The problem with that is what message does it send to those who do? Social acceptance should not differ due to how well someone can see. Therefore, I am not ashamed. I’m grateful for my little pair of glasses that helps me to catch a better glimpse of this world. What a shame it would be if I didn’t get to have the same viewing experience as those who see 20/20? All the beautiful things nature has to offer, reading street signs and menus, of course. I think of it as an extra accessory I get to add to my wardrobe. Plus, it helps me to see this wonderful world I live in! There should be no shame in that.
