I’ve been thinking a lot about positive prejudices. Some things, like children and rainbows, don’t need much explaining. I assume that they are awesome because most are. Other things are more nonsensical and the result of my own experiences, with no basis in fact or research. Here are some examples!
1. People Named Steve
You might have noticed that 4 out of 5 of my ideal dinner guests (“4(Steve) + Martha= Ubermensch“) were named Steve. I tend towards trusting the Steve in any book I read, or being on the side of any character named Steve on television.
Just the other day, I found myself in a situation where I had to ask one of two strangers a very specific and silly question for work. The woman looked like she had a better chance of knowing the answer, but I still went to the Steve first. He directed me right back towards the woman, and I thought to myself– how weird is it that I’m so much more comfortable with a Steve that I would knowingly inconvenience myself?
Plenty weird, that’s how much.
Though irrational, this one is easy to explain — my most trusted friend is named Steve.
2. Stores with Websites
If you recommend a place to me, the first words out of my mouth will be “What’s their website?”. The way I flock to stores and restaurants with websites would make you think that not having a website was a sign of mob ownership or rat infestation.
This one is obviously irrational because plenty of amazing restaurants and stores do not have their own websites. The only thing I can think of to explain this one is my own lack of memory. A website is the easiest way for me to look up hours, location, sister locations, events, and specials. If a location doesn’t have a website, it’s difficult for me to fan-club it.
3. People who Interact with Inanimate Objects
When I see someone pet their car, or give a silly name to their coffee mug, I know we’re going to get along just fine. When I was looking for a cat-sitter many years ago, I had trouble finding someone I trusted with my beloved cats. I finally picked a woman who named her table Bessie. Over-humanizing is a little strange, but also strangely comforting.
4. Musical Groups who Tell Stories in Their Songs
Regardless of the type of music, I’ll fan-club any band, singer, or group who writes a song that is a full story. I think it’s because I’m more of a reader than I am a music-person.
5. People who love Farscape
As far as sci-fi shows with fan clubs go, Farscape had a pretty quiet cult following. I’ll be honest. That show is all kinds of weird, but I love it. I find that people who love it, or who at least liked it, tend to understand me best.
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What about you? Is there anything that just makes you trust/like someone or something– nonsensical though it may be?
