Never Judge a book by its cover!
Bodybuilding to me is like nicotene to smokers. It is an addiction but also its how I handle my stress from day to day. In saying this, I know I wear this incredible hulk suit everywhere I go, but its more to this man than muscle. I have a B.S. degree and two Masters degrees and I have spent countless hours of my life earning those degrees. No matter where I go people look at me like Im some farm animal freak and not a man! I give 200% in everything I do whether its in the classroom, at work or the gym. In conversation, when people find out I have undergraduate and graduate degrees they look at me in disbelief. Sometimes I wonder if its my body or my skin tone on why I get that reaction. I remember getting called in for job interviews and once they actually saw me the interview was over before it even started. Im a bodybuilder that’s a humanbeing, not a farm animal freak and I want want people to see me as that. This is coming from a situatuation that occured today in where I had to put few people in check. Im venting my frustrations right now to the bodybuilding community because it might be someone out there that might actually understand how I feel.
Merry Christmas,
Malcolm
December 14, 2007 at 8:14 pm
Sounds like you had a rough day. I DO understand..I wrote a similar blog earlier in the week. I’m sure there are many more here that understand. Stay positive!
~Amy
December 14, 2007 at 8:19 pm
i hear that man, im sure you get that S*$t all the time. you look great man, keep up the hard work in every aspect of your life.
December 14, 2007 at 8:22 pm
I’m not at your level of conditioning or size but I totally understand where you are coming from Malcolm.
I have an undergrad in Engineering and master’s degree in Business but as I put on size and achieve contest conditioning I know that first impressions of me will change.
A stereotype exist in our society that men or women with muscles are not the brightest individuals out there.
As with many other stereotypes, education and individuals like us will need to break them down.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year while you continue to move the iron.
-Jeff
December 14, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Sweetie! It’s hard to live in a world where most are obese. To them, you look like a freak because you take care of yourself and worry about things like muscular structure. Oh, for shame! You are awesome and what you have achieved is amazing! Keep on Keeping on my friend.
December 14, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Understand?! HAH! Oftentimes, I encounter the SAME.
Pretty face? Ok. Fit Body? Ok. Licensed CPA, licensed CIA, MBA specializing in MIS. HUHHHH?!!!
Sad, but many can’t even see past Certified Fitness Trainer - a fraction of what defines ME!
Merry Christmas, Smart Guy!
~Dawn Melanie
December 14, 2007 at 10:32 pm
well that is life. People have some prespective of how a PhD holder should look like.
it something inside peolpe that went through experinece and what they watch on television
December 15, 2007 at 2:44 am
Dude, look at yourself in the mirror, YOU ROCK~~~
Fantastic achievements, you are my motivation, Merry Christmas!!
December 15, 2007 at 4:52 pm
I also completely understand. I’ve been having the same experiences with interviews - over as soon as I walk in the room. Don’t let the ignorance get you down. Just stick to your truth and it will show up and those who don’t get you will start to fade into background. You just keep believing and doing YOU.
December 15, 2007 at 7:54 pm
Malcolmmmmmm!!! My #1 fan and suporter! Although frustrating, we can’t control what people think. If you have the energy to explain to them, then so be it, if not….keep it moving! If you were a conformist and did everything "society" felt u should do…u wouldn’t be Malcolm! I Luv u for who you are…a great friend and trainer!! And those most important 2u also luv you for who YOU are, not what society wants you to be!!!
December 17, 2007 at 9:32 am
F@#$)(%@# ridicously,
See how a few bad apples can spoil the bunch! People today are so socialized to believe the hype that they never take time to see who the real person is on the inside. Sorry to hear about your obstacles man, but good things will come sooner or later. Peace!
December 17, 2007 at 9:43 am
In the words of Arnold. "Being perfect…sometimes it’s the hardest thing". Yes, people are always looking to discriminate and judge. Especially when they are unhappy with themselves. Keep your faith in self. You have every right to EXCEL and ACHIEVE.
December 17, 2007 at 12:14 pm
Congrats on all your accomplishments. Those people are just jealous of your motivation and determination at everything you do and at life in general. People in the world are "haters" bc they need to make themselves feel better about themselves… and thats sad! Keep doin what your doin.
Good Luck and Merry Christmas!
December 24, 2007 at 12:08 pm
Hey man, my hat is off to you. You must have been pretty dedicated to get where you are at in your education and bodybuilding. Just remember this, do not let anyone bring you down or make you feel sorry for YOUR achievments. If some one is discriminating on you or hating you then just smile and walk away; because you have already won. And just remember it’s not because of your color or body size. It’s that they do not have what you have. And that is why you have won!
December 24, 2007 at 11:37 pm
screw em man! none of them are even worthy enough to hold your jock strap!
January 12, 2008 at 7:32 am
Malcom.. **your Amazing** great respect for all your hard work n dedication.. You truly are a product of all your hard work.. **you are the **PRICELESS** reward..just **BEAUTIFUL** wishing you continued success** many blessings.. Ox ~Bella~
February 26, 2008 at 11:13 am
Just found your blog entry and was touched by what you wrote. Yes you are a human being and not a carnival freak show (which interesting enough is where body builders many decades ago would be found working.) Our society does have this perception that the more brawn a person has then the less brain they have. Not true. Some people feel inferior when in the presence of someone who has developed and sculpted their body. Personally, I think instead of the interview being over it should be the opposite. Seeing you as a body builder should make them take notice of wanting you as a potential employee. Bodybuilding takes dedication, discipline, focus and commitment. All qualities that any employer should want in an employee. A body builder expects the best from themselves and produces the best out of themselves. A potential employer should be excited to see you walk through the door because your physique is a visual report of the high quality of your work ethics.
February 26, 2008 at 11:42 am
Same here, I got 2 Masters and still people look at me like i’m the dumb jock working for minimum wage.
April 19, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Malcolm,Keep positive-Your life is full of dedication,determination and discipline.We will have to deal with people like this at times. But we can rise above this because we know who we are and what we stand for. I am proud of who I am and what I do with my life. I am sure you feel the same. Don’t let people like this bother you because they really don’t matter.You are a champion. You will be successful in all your endeavors.
May 14, 2008 at 1:42 pm
All I have to say is don’t hate, congradgulate!
Screw everyone that puts a sterotype on you and only GOD can judge you. That is impressive that you got a B.S. and two Masters degrees no matter who you are.
Stay strong and when your body is tired exercise your mind…:)
June 6, 2008 at 9:20 pm
I understand you on a different level having served in the Army and OIFII (Iraq) it’s amazing how uninformed the mass majority are. Many catch headlines or read the bold letters in the newspapers and never take the time to wonder how much work, dedication, resolve and soul searching goes into decisions of phenomonal PEOPLE! Everyone will not choose to fight for our country just as everyone will not choose to put in the time or effort of fully reaching their Minds or their Bodies full capabilities! You are to be commended for your hardwork both in the gym and as equally impressive the classrooms!
December 6, 2008 at 10:01 pm
People dont understand the sport and find bodybuilders intimidating. Don’t let it get you down big fella!
December 9, 2008 at 11:45 am
Malcolm, impressive physique. Lets start out by saying you are a freak. How many people can say they are dedicated enough to accomplish half of what you have in their lifetime. I bet there is less than 1% of all humans that are like you, embrace that. There are many of us out here that would love to have your problem, lol. As someone else commented, YOU ROCK. Continue to give the glory to God and he will put you where he needs you. " I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16:33, NLT
Let your light shine my brother, you are here for a great purpose. I pray that God will give you the strength to overcome your troubles. God Bless Brian
January 23, 2009 at 9:19 am
Malcom, I know how you feel. I had similiar experience in College in 1982. First football player in the Computer Science curriculum. Some professors and most of the students had pre-judged me even before the first test was taken. I showed them and got all A’s in my classes. Just can’t let it matter. It has also happened to me in job interviews. Find out I played football and automatically thought I was not that smart. Just have to keep moving forward, Keep up the great attitude and you will win. Rick
June 5, 2009 at 10:59 am
Very well written. I can relate so many ways. Ah well , the IGNORANCE of man-kind. What can you do?
July 30, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Very well my friends, I completely shocked and very understood… First for all, I don’t be judging other people who think they are. It is very rude. I don’t mine to judging people off. No matter how I tried… Just hangin’ there big brutha! You should be doin’ best bodybuilding career ever… Good luck!
September 12, 2009 at 1:58 am
Many people sure think of bodybuilding negatively, they all misconceive the sport and believe in the huge and dumb stereotype. Hang in there man! Don’t let ‘em get you down,they’re just haters out here putting you down cuz they never had the guts to kick themselves into shape! Just do your thing bro and let it be.