By 
I’d like the world to know that I’ve come to terms with my own intolerance and bigotry. Ever since I can remember, I’ve harbored ignorant prejudice against a group of people who have done nothing to warrant it.
I always just assumed anyone named Tanner was a dick. It sounded like a name a really douchey gym coach would give his son. I imagined all Tanners as arrogant bullies with no regard for anyone but themselves.
An offensive depiction of a vicious Tanner stereotype (being a smug prick with a punchable face)
Even though I had never met a Tanner, I made offensive Tanner jokes all the time to my friends. In improv scenes, Tanner was a go-to character name. Somebody’s acting like a total asshole? Might as well name them Tanner. I would laugh and laugh, without realizing what I monster I was being.
Everything changed this past weekend when I was working at Irish Fest in Gaelic Park. I ended up working with a guy named Tanner. Turns out, we have a lot in common! He goes to college and likes music just like me! He also likes partying, friends, and all the other things good people like! Working side by side with Tanner for a weekend taught me that I had been so wrong for so long. But no more!
I’m free of my prejudice now. After working with a Tanner, I realize I can’t make blanket statements about them. Tanners think, feel, fear and love just like everyone else. Each Tanner needs to be judged according by his merit, not his name. So thank you, Tanner B. from Irish Fest. You’ve taught me something new.
