We spend much of our lives trying to be noticed for the people we are yet when someone disagrees with our choices, style or work, we can shrink back in rejection.
Even when trying to break free of conformity (or for a better choice of words: trying to FIND OURSELVES) via clothing style, music preference, career path, piercing or tattoo adornment, yet even within these niches of individuality we seek out those who are doing just as we are. Searching for those who also wear ballet flats, like Grizzly Bear, are hoping to write for a living and adore delicate, brightly coloured tattoos. (Am I talking about myself???)
We feel the need to justify our choices. Why? So people understand? So they 'Get It' and won't judge?
Even people who say 'I don't care what anybody says' are usually throwing off a massive insecurity shield. The wall going up around them rolls off them in waves of anxiety and fear.
It's our differences that make us unique individuals yet many of us constantly strive for conformity. The craving to belong... somewhere, with someone.
As writers, artists, hell as HUMANS, no matter what field we are in, we usually try to find that one thing that sets us apart while at the same time earns us a 'Well done!' of praise. Ironic isn't it?
The artist strives to make a statement, express creativity and individuality, be daring and bold, sometimes controversial, but still the work goes on display for people who then often IDENTIFY with it while APPRECIATING it's UNIQUENESS.
Is it all just a moot point? A mad circle of chicken and egg?
If we were all so different to an absolute, we would all be alone. (Even in that we would be together)
Life is a series black and white, yes and no, day and night, is it not just then, that we should all be living contradictions?
Is this question of mould-breaking, individuality just like much of life- a balance? Another shade of grey?
What is it that you love, that no-one else does? You never know- I might love it too
great post! that is a paradox... i like these books for young adults from 1990 called "the orphan train trilogy"
ReplyDeletethanks starcake! oooh that sounds intriguing - will def be checking it out!!
ReplyDeleteI used to think I liked a lot of things other people didn't until i started blogging. It was refreshing and reassuring that people agreed with my reasons not to eat meat, or that it's OK to write about sex. It's good to stand out sometimes, but it's also quite lovely to original xx
ReplyDeleteVery thought provoking! This post gets my wheels churning this morning!
ReplyDeleteWhen I like something that no one else does, I usually stay quiet about it. I should shout it out! And my writing should as well!
@karen- yes blogging has definetly opened my eyes to a whole new world of people that feel the same as I do about many things- who share fears and dreams, and it is very comforting (yay for blogging!)
ReplyDelete@aubrie- thanks! i'm glad you like it! Yes you should be proud of those quirky parts of your personality- they are what make you unique :) And yes, the writing will probably benifit from your courage. Give it a go! :)
I love being unique. I wonder how many people that are unique, exactly like me, I'll run into out there. Awesome post! Thought provoking and entertaining for as you wrote about your qualities, I kept checking them off like a list in my head. I guess we writers have many things in common, that's what makes us unique. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat post, and I totally agree. Even now, and I'm supposed to be all grown up, I still have a hard time telling people I like something that is out of the ordinary or unpopular. I shouldn't let it bug me, but it's hard.
ReplyDeleteI love this and your new template...so gorgeous!!! I struggle between standing out/fitting in often but I think our contradictions are what make us interesting!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your suuport and comments guys! It seems this is something we all think about a fair bit :)
ReplyDeleteWhat do I love that everyone else doesn't? Quite similar to you, actually! (Why am I not surprised, hehe?)
ReplyDelete- Ballerina flats (my staple shoe, where them everywhere and I have them in a range of colours, including electric blue and Dorothy red).
- Queer indie music (but you already knew that! Oh, and I listened to Grizzly Bear the other night and think they're pretty awesome! I'm so buying their stuff when I get a new iTunes music card!!)
- Strawberry freddo frogs (everyone usually turns their noses up at them but I can't get enough of them!)
- Queer indie movies (I guess I'm a kind of queer indie girl)
- 1950's fashion, vintage floral fabrics and hippy headbands worn sideways.
Another great post, thank you for sharing! xx a
Doh! "where" is supposed to be "wear" - OMG, a total grammar faux pas and I can't stand that kind of thing!
ReplyDeleteAnd I call myself a writer!! Tsk.
Amber, I love your style! xx *big grins* thanks for sharing back!
ReplyDeleteGrizzly bear are def an acquired taste, but I think I knew you'd enjoy :)
xxx
hahaha i do it all the time!
ReplyDelete