Last week I saw a flier in Cole Hall that said, “68 percent of NIU students listen to music from different genres – do you?” While I can’t vouch for the statistic (I don’t remember being asked), I do agree with the message: Don’t judge a book by its cover.

I grew up in a small town in southern Illinois where country and classic rock were the only acknowledged music genres, and caucasian was the only accepted race. Anything outside of this norm was automatically dismissed or ignored altogether.

As a result of refusing to be so utterly close-minded, I came up with my own system for categorizing. In my world, I judge music the same way I judge people. Only two genres remain: good and bad. By casting aside pre-existing labels and the biases that go along with them, I am enjoying an enriched life full of diverse music and people.

Personally, I believe good music is anything that makes me feel. It’s the kind of music that doesn’t just go in your ears, but continues to run through your veins. It can make you excited, happy, sad, angry, euphoric … you get the idea. And yes, I have found good music in every genre.

An example of a day’s worth of music for me includes a pretty diverse line-up, and I couldn’t imagine it any other way: James Brown (funk), Erykah Badu (hip-hop), Allison Kraus (bluegrass), Miles Davis (jazz), Moby (electronica), Rage Against the Machine (hard rock) and Gershwin (classical).

I know I shouldn’t have to say it (sadly, I know this is news to some), but it’s the same with people. Of course, what defines a good person will vary from individual to individual, but what remains the same is that they are found in every race.

Genre isn’t always the only stereotyping obstacle; sometimes people limit by age.

It has been my experience that the “good” can be found in the old and the new. Why shouldn’t it? Good music was around long before we ever were. Just because time has passed doesn’t mean that this music has somehow morphed into the bad category. It’s still good! Listen to it. Besides opening up a whole plethora of new-to-you music, you’ll gain a better understanding of where today’s music came from.

It’s the same with people. How many of you have friends who are more than five years older or younger than you? This also is something that I recommend. Just because someone is “old” doesn’t mean they have nothing to offer you. To the contrary, they can share wisdom gained from their life experiences, both teaching you and keeping you from making the same mistakes they did. On the other hand, befriending someone younger can remind you of the joy of discovery and give you a fresh perspective on things.

Music and people come in all shapes, colors, styles and ages. Don’t limit yourself because of any of these distinguishing criteria.

Next time you’re in the market for some new music, go somewhere where you can listen before you buy, walk right past your normal stop into uncharted territory and pick up something you would’ve never listened to in the past. Discover good music outside your box.

Next time you’re in a situation to meet new people, pick the person who least reminds you of anyone you already know; strike it rich with the person that matches your soul – not your color or age.

En Vogue said it best: “Free your mind and the rest will follow/ Be color blind, don’t be so shallow.”