Testimonials
To express that words cannot describe who you truly are. Never judge a book by its cover
—Alexandria
Because if everyone just showed the next person a littler more respect and showed a little bit more love, maybe there'd be a little more peace in the world.
—Alexandria
It's important to claim your identity, especially when it involves reclaiming some socially derogatory terms
—Courtney
I am participating because I believe it is extremely important for leaders around the U.S. to be involved.
—Brianna
As a single working mom and a full time student with lots of tattoos I don't always "Fit In", but I never let it stop me from doing the right things, being generous, treating people with kindness, and helping others whenever possible!
—Danielle
I loved the message of the project. That no matter the physical there is something good or not evil in all.
—Myranda
Because I'm full of contradictory labels and identifications that just don't mean much in the end.
—Jamie
My Grandma participated in this project and she always talks about how awesome it is. I think it is great as it shows that everyone is capable of doing good, whether it is something small or something big.
—Leela
The effect negative labels have on people, especially children, can be devastating. I think it's great that Troy and the No Evil Project can open the eyes of adults to how these words, which may seem harmless at the time, can have influence over those children even all the way into adulthood.
—Sara
I believe in paying it forward and always trying to do the right thing. I also strongly believe in a separating of church and state. Politics and religion are not black and white. Instead they are beautiful shades of gray. It's important to keep in mind the basic belief that everyone is created equal and no one person is better or lesser than you. That is how I try to live my life every day.
—Alexis
Because this project breaks down barriers and works toward teaching acceptance of each other's differences, to embrace and celebrate the awesomeness of individuality
—Christine
Goodness is such an important aspect of humanity. There are many, many good people in the world, doing good things but various media outlets will have us thinking it is a bad world. Spreading the joy, the goodness, the positive, and the humanism, is vital!
—Karen
I am participating because I'm a 51 year old, self-employed potter, who loves art, the outdoors, and adventure. I am very busy with my production work and i frequently am running events back to back. That said, at the ripe, old age of 50, I took a surfing lesson in Hawaii and now am addicted. I grew up in So Cal, but have been in Arizona for nearly 10 years. With my new addiction to surfing, I frequently travel back to Cal so I can continue to improve and learn about this amazing sport. This has caused many folks to poke fun, especially now that I am 7 hours away from the Pacific! People think I'm a little nuts when they hear about my passion for this sport and the ridiculousness of me driving to and from California to get my fix.
—Catherine
I think young women should feel free to follow their passions. As a female scientist, I want to show young women that you can be both smart and sexy!
—Sarah
Stereotypes contribute to the lack of empathy and solidarity which I firmly believe are necessary for the building of a happier and more equitable global community.
—Carla
Thought it would be fun to be part of a project that would make others realize differences in us all
—Marcella
Because I believe that the way a person looks should never stop you from finding out his or her story.
—Michino
I believe that labels can be harmful and we are too quick to judge our neighbors without getting a chance to know them.
—Ann
Labels limit the range of our conception to 'that which has existed', and therefore can restrict evolution of or within a system. Labels ascribed to individuals promote objectification, which can lead to possession, which can to slavery. Ascribing labels to ourselves we are willingly enslaved
Otherwise, labels are great!
—Russell
It's a meaningful project, breaking down stereotypes and showing people not to judge a book by its cover.
—Wandong
We all know the saying- don't judge a book by it's cover. But this is inevitable. We see someone and automatically make assumptions based on their exterior characteristics that are visible. It is what we do after the fact that matters. Put those judgments aside, and recognize there is a lot more to that individual than meets the eye.
—Olivia
I am participating because I want to be apart of something bigger than myself. I want to show people that there is always goodness in everyone.
—Anna
This is an inspiring project to help dismantle peoples beliefs, expectations, fears, assumptions, about who they believe someone is, who we ourselves believe we are, what we all share, and how truly amazing, beautiful, different, and multidimensional we all are...and what we are all capable of (not limited by titles, labels, boxes, and our own lack of vision and imagination)
—Becka
I've always been fascinated by wondering what people are really like. By thinking about what they may do on a day to day basis, and what their struggles or talents may be. This project is truly inspiring!
—Raquel
I'm participating because we all are unique and have been given gifts and qualties from God, all of which can be used for good. Our uniqueness and differences are to be celebrated and this project certainly helps do that!
—Stephanie
I want to help people step outside of their boundaries and see them for all that they are worth, not just how they are stereo-typed.
—Heather
I am proud to be a Latina female Divorcee and I wear those labels without an apology. They have made me who I am today, but I know I am also more than that I encourage everyone to know their story and tell others their story. "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." Dr. MLK Jr.
—Bea
This project touched my soul immediately. As a parent of two amazing teenagers, I see and hear a lot! My goal is to teach them to ignore hurtful comments or criticism, as well as refrain from participating in such type of nonsense. Each and everyone of us is going through something that could make or break us.
I am a strong believer that judging or criticizing someone based on exterior appearances is simply wrong and shameful. I applaud Troy for creating this project! :)
—Sonia
Some labels are positive and bring about inspiration and support to people while other labels are very negative and hinder people. I want to be a part of this to show that everyone should be seen for every part of themselves not just what is on the surface. All my life I was overweight and people focused on that and made me feel as though I could never accomplish anything that "skinny/fit" people could. I am happy to say that I am a triathlete, runner, whitewater kayaker, ziplinner, hiker, swimmer, cyclist, exercise trainer, general adventure seeker and I am still overweight! I have finally gotten past that label!
—Alyson