" Even though I wear glasses, I’m not just a mousy person who stays in my room – even though I do sometimes stay in my room and read. "
- Marley Dias

The first sentence suggests that wearing glasses does not define a person's personality or lifestyle. It acknowledges that while the speaker might sometimes be found reading in their room, this behavior should not be taken as an indication of who they are solely because of their physical appearance, such as wearing glasses.

Digging deeper into the quote reveals themes of self-perception and societal stereotypes. Marley Dias challenges the notion that someone's outward appearance or temporary behaviors can fully encapsulate their true nature. She emphasizes that personal characteristics go beyond surface-level observations; staying in one’s room to read is a choice, not an identity-defining trait. This perspective encourages individuals to look past superficial judgments and understand people based on their actions and experiences rather than first impressions.

Marley Dias is the author of this insightful quote. Known for her activism and dedication to increasing diversity in literature, she gained prominence at a young age by launching the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign aimed at collecting books featuring black girls as protagonists. Her work highlights the importance of representation and encourages readers to see beyond stereotypes, much like her own message in this quote about not being defined by what others might assume based on appearance or behavior.