If you’ve ever felt unseen in a room full of people, or judged by a single chapter of your life, you already understand the meaning of beneath the pedestal. It’s the place where assumptions pile up: they’re lazy, they’re broken, they chose this.

And yet, the people we “place beneath” our respect or attention often carry the deepest stories of resilience, survival, and self-worth.

Michelle Hamson explores this idea through her work and her novel Beneath the Pedestal, a story of “sisterhood, survival, and grace” that invites readers to look past appearances and into the heart of a life. You can learn more about Michelle Hamson and her books.

The meaning of beneath the pedestal: unseen, judged, underestimated

Living beneath the pedestal isn’t just about hardship. It’s about being reduced, to a label, a rumor, a mistake, a background. It’s what happens when we rank people without realizing it, placing some “above” (safe, worthy, respectable) and others “below” (messy, suspicious, disposable).

How pedestal-thinking shows up in everyday life

• Assuming someone’s character based on their job title, neighborhood, or family history
• Treating pain as “drama” because it makes us uncomfortable
• Offering advice when what’s needed is dignity and listening

Often, this isn’t intentional cruelty; it’s automatic judgment. Psychologists call this kind of unintentional, unconscious shortcut implicit bias, and it can shape how we perceive and respond to others. Here’s APA’s explanation of implicit bias.

Why the overlooked often carry the deepest stories

When someone is struggling, it’s tempting to believe their story is simple: bad choices, bad luck, bad attitude. But real lives aren’t headlines.

Trauma changes the way people cope

Many individuals beneath the pedestal are navigating the aftershocks of trauma, childhood instability, neglect, violence, or living with addiction in the home. Public health research describes how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can affect long-term health, stress responses, and well-being. See CDC’s overview of ACEs.

That doesn’t mean people are “damaged beyond repair.” It means their nervous system may be doing what it learned to do to survive.

A trauma-informed lens restores dignity

A trauma-informed approach starts with one question: “What happened to you?” instead of “What’s wrong with you?” SAMHSA outlines how trauma-informed care centers safety, trust, collaboration, and empowerment, principles that apply far beyond clinical settings. Here’s SAMHSA’s trauma-informed approach guidance.

How to step off the pedestal and practice real empathy

1) Replace conclusions with curiosity

Ask: What might I not know about this person’s day, history, or losses?

2) Offer respect before you offer solutions

Validation is often more healing than advice.

3) See the system, not just the individual

For example, foster care is designed as a temporary, court-monitored service focused on safety and well-being, yet experiences can vary widely. Learn the basics via the Child Welfare Information Gateway.

Conclusion:

Living beneath the pedestal is often less about what someone has done and more about what others assume they are. The real meaning of beneath the pedestal is being underestimated while carrying a story that deserves respect, dignity, and understanding.

When we trade judgment for curiosity, we make room for healing, both in others and in ourselves. If this message resonates, explore more of Michelle Hamson’s work on Michelle Hamson’s author website and continue the conversation through stories that restore empathy and hope.