Testimonials

There is so many prejudices and preconceived notions that people make about others subconsciously, without even getting to know the person. It's important to look past labels and accept people for who they are, and take the time to learn about the characteristics about each other that makes us unique. Having an open mind will go very far. —Nicholas

I have been bullied for everything from being overweight to being in a wheelchair. Instead of firing back, you need to do something about it. —Sammie

Growing up I was always infatuated with my religion and decided to find ways to put it into my life. After I graduated high school, I decided to take a year off and moved to live in Israel for that year. While there I was able to volunteer and learned a lot about myself. While studying I came across a quote that translates to the following: "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am 'I'? And if not now, when?" I have used this quote to better me as a person and continue to live my life the best as I can. I have learned through many experiences that it is important to help other people. It is extremely important to be proud of the person that you are, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. We are who we are. That being said, we need to realize that if we want people to respect us for who we are, we need to respect them for who THEY are. If we don't do it now, then when will we? We have no reason to wait to accept people, to allow people to live their lives happy in their own skin. If I could leave that impact on people, I will be able to die knowing I have succeeded to break down the evil. We are who we are. —Jaime

I always marvel at the diversity of life. If we all focus on all the different talents that we have and use them to help each other, the world can be a better place. —Nicolas

I am participating in the project because labels have negatively affected me and I would like people to know me for who I am as a person rather than just a few groups (ethnic, social, economic) that I am a part of. —Olivia

I believe that labels restrict our minds to beautiful amazing people. If we judge just based on the stereotypes, we miss out on an amazing human beings. We are all divers, and when we accept it and bind together we can form beautiful friendships and stop hatred, anger, and misunderstanding. —April

We all know how it is to feel different. Rather than making it a bad thing, we should appreciate one another's differences and realize how important diversity is. We are all labeled, but it is up to us to make others feel accepted. —Meaghan

Everyone has some good in them, it just may not be the first thing you see. We need to give people a chance and from my experience it's usually worth it! —Sarah

Who I am isn't about who I am with, or what I look like, but it is who I am inside, and that I am sick of people judging me for that outside mask that we all have. We hide what's inside with the vain mask that everyone sees, our superficial selves. But once we start reading the book that is our core, we realize there is much more than just the cover. It's sad to think that in our society hair is a symbol of beauty, of authority, or status, vanity isn't everything, it's what's inside that really matters. True beauty is so much more than skin deep. —Liz

I want everyone to understand that there is a lot more to a person than what you see. It is important to get to know individuals on a more personal level before jumping to conclusions. —Christina

Sometimes we are too quick to judge people by the external things that we see. This project allows for us to see the good in the world and to breathe hope back into humanity. —Ian

I'm participating in the No Evil Project because I want to show that I believe in the good all around us. For me it is an honor to be part of this collection, as each person with me truly believes as I do, that it is the good things in life that we must focus on. Why focus on the negative? Every day people are committing good deeds and helping their fellow man. I'm proud to be among those people. —Pat

I am participating in this for all the kids who haven't found their voice yet. I'm one of the many who don't listen to the stereotypes which have been labeled to myself. I am here to help everyone realize that no matter who they are they should be proud of it, and live life to the fullest. You only live once, so live it the best way possible. —Tony

I'm participating because I believe diversity intertwines each student at Quinnipiac University to form stronger bonds with each and every individual. We must promote diversity and accept each person for who they are —Stan

I want to help others understand that they are not alone. Too often people get so caught up in judging others for their differences rather than celebrating the uniqueness that is each person. It is time to start sharing our awesome gifts with the world. —Melissa

We can all contribute to making the world a better place with small actions. This project is an incredible opportunity to remind humanity that what makes up a person is their story, beliefs, thoughts and feelings not their appearance. —Erin

We all need to see that there are many good people in the world. This projects helps to spread good news and smiles. Thank you Troy. —Linda

I'm participating because it's something novel....and noteworthy in its originality. I enjoy being a part of something that makes people think! I have so many motivating people around me who support, love and inspire me to do my best every day. I hope to be that sort of inspiration to others, or even just one. Seeing that you're making a difference to someone is just an amazing thing that never loses its wonder. —Jill

It's my belief that the world would be a much happier place if we accepted each others differences and learned to be less judgmental. —Valerie

Too many people are judged or judge others by their cover. Cancer, Gray, Blue, Divorced, Young, Old we all travel the same road —Scott

Labels are not worth having, it makes people feel trapped in a box when everyone should be given the courage to break out of the mold and bend the lines to be whatever it is that they want to be. —Caitlin

I have always been labeled as "something" by people who don't understand what an artist is or what one looks like. I am also heavily tattooed. I have been called a convict and a freak by total strangers. In reality I am a earth loving mommy who goes out of her way to help others and the environment. I am true blue. You just can't judge a book by its cover. —Heather

Because I think it is a neat thing to do...and see all the things that people describe or label themselves as it make everyone see how one of a kind they are. —Hannah

I think that as a woman, I need to work on being louder and advocating for myself. By helping other young women to do the same, I am doing my part for today's and future society. —Lauren

Because in the world, labels shouldn't mean anything. This project is a great way for people to label themselves in a way that expresses who they truly are... it's 100% acceptable to be yourself! —Cheryl

People are so limited by the labels other put on them. Most labels aren't truly accurate. I suppose that I am doing this project to say, yes, I am that label. Here's the truth about it and here's why it's actually a compliment. —Lou

I think this is a really great cause and people should definitely be aware of it. —Caitlin

Respect and acceptance of all individuals makes our family, community and country the great place it is today. Supporting this initiative should be a priority for all citizens. —Patricia

I think it's a really cool project. People do good deeds every day... some small and some extraordinary. We hear about the extraordinary ones but never the small acts of kindness performed by everyday people. —Cheryl

I am participating because I think fear and insecurities hold us back from being the compassionate, loving individuals that we are meant to be. My hope is that in being involved in your project, I will share my strength with someone who will then make a decision not to say or act upon their evil thoughts. —Brynnalee

I love the message! It's so simple but so true!! —Katelyn

I think we as people need to take a step back and think about how we treat each other and this may be a tool to look at ourselves to see how good we are doing...help us get rid of the evil negativity in our life. —David

Everyone has good in them and everyone is different. I'm proud to live in such a diverse world. HATE and labels make for such wasted energy. Peoples' differences are beautiful and encouraging. —Jessica

I may not be able to make a huge impact on improving society, but I know that I do not stand alone. The combined effort of many can change the world, and I can only hope to say that I was a part of it. —Catherine

I think it's important to refocus on what unites us and start from there. No evil? check. Lets have a conversation. —Matt

Labels can be a weapon--let's take away their power. —Karen

This is such a great project! It's about time that we highlight the wonderful things that people do to make our world a better place. —Rose

This project is a great idea. There is evil in the world. But there is a lot of good in the world, too, and it is important to remember that. —Matt

I think this project is amazing - that across gender, ethnicity, any identity, we are very similar. —Shohini

Troy contacted the Worcester Women's History Project and I'm the president. It sounded like a lot of fun and I think it's a great project. Too much "demonizing" going on these days ... glad to see someone trying to celebrate our differences in a positive way. —Fran

I feel a lot of time people view those of us with tattoos and piercings with fear and apprehension. To me, it is an art form and manner of self expression. Maybe if people got to know a little about those different from themselves, they would be more accepting of their packaging. —Ray

I am participating because this project is a wonderful way to teach others that we're all different and that's OK. It is one of the things that makes this country such a wonderful place to live. Also, because I love to find ways to help others every day! —Helder

I think this is a great idea. If more people could see all the good there is in people than maybe we would have more good in the world. —Nicole

If we could all be more open minded and kind to each other, it could change our country and our world. Imagine if all the energy time and money that is currently put into our political campaigns was instead put into working together as a real team in our communities and our country- what would that look like? It could be an amazing transformation. Start with no more blaming. —Sue

I am participating because I love the theme of this project and its commitment to fostering understanding among individuals with varying identities. Anything that works to bring people together in joyful ways, as this project does, is great in my book. —Regina

The concept is so simple yet so incredibly powerful who wouldn't participate? —Dianne

There's always opportunities to help others that require little or nothing from you; if more people realized that, we'd all be a lot better off. Stereotypes do nothing but hinder us all; I've lost track of how many times people have judged me due to my appearance. How I look does not make me any less of a person. —Amy

It's empowering for me to think about and acknowledge publicly the absurdity of stereotyping and labeling others. We're all different in many ways, but we're all the same in many more. —Lisa

I think it is a very innovative way of showing the pointlessness of stereotyping when there is good in people and feel fortunate that I was able to take part in it. —Cady

I am participating because this project supports my values, not only in my home life, but my work life as well. I work in human resources, and I find joy in helping someone new each day. —Liz