Expectations

Over the weekend I got the chance to go to Erebus, the four story, Guinness book of world records largest haunted house. As you may guess my stomach was in knots the entire day Saturday as I anticipated the excruciating fear and anxiety that I would experience. My expectations were held high for this haunted attraction due to the numerous friends that have told me of their terrifying and amazing experiences. Standing in the line with Eric Cheng (a fellow AP english student) and other friends, we all grew more and more anxious as we waited through the three hour line (which was Eric's fault by the way), as workers at Erebus scared you in line as if your heart wasn't beating out of your chest already. As we finally entered the haunted house, the experience was short lived. In what seemed a very short time we were already out and rather disappointed at the fact that it didn't live up to its many titles and stories that people have told us about.

Worst haunted house ever, don't go there

Now I bet you are all probably wondering how this has anything to do with what we are learning in class and this is where I will finally tell you. In Brent Staples piece, Black Men and Public Space, he speaks of his encounters with frightened people as he walks down the street, and simply because of his color. Why is this? Who taught us to fear someone just because of their color or race? The truth is that the people around us have taught us what to believe through a single opinion or view on what to expect. The people who fear Staples are judging solely on things they have heard and their expectations of what he is like, just like Eric and I did as we waited in the line of Erebus. You should not let other peoples opinions and views shape how you see the world but rather form your own views by your own experiences (but I would recommend that you follow my advice and don't go to Erebus because it is a waste of money and time).