Warning: incoming rant. Big time.
The last few weeks have got me thinking about some of the contradictions in life. Now, there are plenty that I could go on about for several long paragraphs, but for now I do believe I'll focus on the more prominent of the many, the one that has really gotten a hold of my attention recently.
Some people claim to be individuals, quirky and unique, but only to a point. A very small point that's not even slightly astray from the norm.
Phrases like "that outfit is out of season" or "if you do that in public I will deny that I even know you" are common among these cases, in my own experience. Clothing and accessories are carefully chosen to appear eclectic, yet only within such boundaries that the end result is replicated on ten freakin' percent of the population in their brand-name sweatshirts and fitted jeans.
Now, I'm not going to claim that I haven't happily followed a trend or two. However, I've been fortunate enough to find a balance, where I at least don't absolutely fear everything that could get me a few weird glances.
I mean, really, how dull would life be if true individuality was something to be feared? If you couldn't walk happily down the sidewalk with a yo-yo bobbing up and down at your side? If greetings like "hail, brethren" would ruin you? If wearing a shirt with an anteater on it was too odd of a fashion statement? (Yes, these are all common occurrences in my world. And what a spectacular world it is to live in!)
Truth be told, I find it very sad that some never experience this joy, this freedom from caring about what the public's reaction will be. A simple fact that is unknown to many is that, hey, the worst thing someone can do when you wear those elf ear tips to class is stare and make some rude comment. But guess what? Even those snide remarks are just made in shallow ignorance, because they too don't know the joy you do in living out your own identity despite the limitations set by society. And I guarantee that the one or two people that commend you on your eccentricity are people that either one, are enjoying the same freedom from norms, or two, might now be one step closer to experiencing that freedom for the first time.
Trends aren't bad and mainstream isn't always a horrible thing to indulge in, but if trapped in the endless cycle of "monkey see monkey do", I worry someone is missing out on one of the essential freedoms offered to us in life.
Can I hear an amen?!
...crickets chirping...
Right-oh then. Carry on.
The last few weeks have got me thinking about some of the contradictions in life. Now, there are plenty that I could go on about for several long paragraphs, but for now I do believe I'll focus on the more prominent of the many, the one that has really gotten a hold of my attention recently.
Some people claim to be individuals, quirky and unique, but only to a point. A very small point that's not even slightly astray from the norm.
Phrases like "that outfit is out of season" or "if you do that in public I will deny that I even know you" are common among these cases, in my own experience. Clothing and accessories are carefully chosen to appear eclectic, yet only within such boundaries that the end result is replicated on ten freakin' percent of the population in their brand-name sweatshirts and fitted jeans.
Now, I'm not going to claim that I haven't happily followed a trend or two. However, I've been fortunate enough to find a balance, where I at least don't absolutely fear everything that could get me a few weird glances.
I mean, really, how dull would life be if true individuality was something to be feared? If you couldn't walk happily down the sidewalk with a yo-yo bobbing up and down at your side? If greetings like "hail, brethren" would ruin you? If wearing a shirt with an anteater on it was too odd of a fashion statement? (Yes, these are all common occurrences in my world. And what a spectacular world it is to live in!)
Truth be told, I find it very sad that some never experience this joy, this freedom from caring about what the public's reaction will be. A simple fact that is unknown to many is that, hey, the worst thing someone can do when you wear those elf ear tips to class is stare and make some rude comment. But guess what? Even those snide remarks are just made in shallow ignorance, because they too don't know the joy you do in living out your own identity despite the limitations set by society. And I guarantee that the one or two people that commend you on your eccentricity are people that either one, are enjoying the same freedom from norms, or two, might now be one step closer to experiencing that freedom for the first time.
Trends aren't bad and mainstream isn't always a horrible thing to indulge in, but if trapped in the endless cycle of "monkey see monkey do", I worry someone is missing out on one of the essential freedoms offered to us in life.
Can I hear an amen?!
...crickets chirping...
Right-oh then. Carry on.
anteaters ftw
ReplyDeleteI know, right?! \m/-_-\m/
ReplyDeleteHah. People forget clothing is just for comfort. We just wear it to stay warm in the cold and cool in the warm, without triggering sexual desires daily. But shit, half the styles out there are just FOR triggering those hormones. What's the point of wearing anything then?
ReplyDeleteClothing should be fun. The same way people pierce, tattoo, or modify themselves. We do it because we want to. Elf ears are badass. If you're having fun, just MAKE them stop you.
*Laughing so hard I do a pee dance* You make an excellent point. Society is such a mess of contradictions.
ReplyDeleteAnd also, thank you very much for appreciating the badass-ness of elf ears. I couldn't agree more. *Applauds uproariously*