"It's People I Don't Understand."

Credit - Hey Arnold! Season 1, Episode 14

"Pigeon Man" Air-date: November 20th, 1996

Arnold: We can rebuild the cages and sweep up; your birds will come back.

Pigeon Man: Of course they'll come back. They're birds. I trust them. I understand them. It's people I don't understand. You see, Arnold, it's time for me to leave here. Some people are meant to be with people and others, like me, are just...different.

Arnold: Pigeon Man, wait. None of this would've happened if I hadn't - 

Pigeon Man: Arnold, don't be sad. You've taught me that some people can be trusted... And I'll never forget that.

I grew up loving and watching this Nickelodeon series. The thematic elements from this particular episode has always struck a chord with me. I can somewhat relate to the character Pigeon Man because of his disassociation with other human beings. He would rather prefer to be in the company of pigeons. Now, I'm not exactly and literally saying that I want to be friends with birds. But, I have always acknowledged the fact that I never felt like I fully and truly belonged. This mental approach later led and attributed to sentimental emotions of distrust, isolation, and rejection towards other people. Society defines itself as a group of individuals who are involved in persistent social interactions along with the coexistence of a certain political leadership, cultural expectations, and social attitudes. Society expects us to grow up in a functional household, be admired by others, receive a formal education, land a career that offers a financially stable income, and settle down with a partner to develop and raise a healthy family. Society also expects us to look, dress, and present in a certain way - a way that grants other people to accept and approve individuals. However, not everyone in society is expected to lead such an impeccable and methodical life. 

A teenage girl is bullied due to her overweight appearance and in result, she is treated differently by her peers. A university student receives a failing grade in a class that he needs to pass in order to graduate. A promising and up-and-coming lawyer who is fresh out of law school is ironically arrested for driving under the influence. A single father is struggling to gain full custody of his children after a bitter divorce. 

All of these given situations are unfortunate events that happen in society. To put it bluntly, life is tough. In no way is it flawless and perfect. No matter how much we want it to be. In result, if people are placed in adverse situations, they are often frowned upon and shunned by others who feel that they are not worthy of their attention and time. Hence, the feeling of rejection emerges. Referring back to the episode, Pigeon Man was unfortunate because he was different. His appearance, lifestyle, and general background were considered to be foreign and undesirable to other people in society. People denied him because he didn't share similar interests with them and failed to meet their expectations. At the same time, Pigeon Man was fortunate. His isolation and solitude from his own kind led him to develop a friendship with pigeons. These flock of pigeons - a group of just mere, innocent birds - accepted him because of his friendly approach and care towards them. He found a connection with the pigeons and vice-versa. Acceptance and trust became a foundation from both parties.

My point is that it is absolutely okay to be your own person. To be different. To have other beliefs and interests. To have a unique personality. Pigeon Man confided in a flock of pigeons. And later, Arnold, a human being. Arnold saw the good in him and offered a lending hand of unconditional acceptance and friendship. Pigeon Man, who at first rejected human interaction, gradually recognized that certain people can be trusted. And this circumstance can be applied when it comes to real-life events and situations, such as myself who had personal experiences. Encountering certain people who are willing to take the time to see beyond the general facade of an individual can become the root of acceptance and trust. It just takes an open mind and an act of tolerance first.