Self expression comes in many forms: tattoos, dress, hair color, hair styles, piercings, and speech. Lately I’ve encountered a few noticeable prejudices against freedom of my self-expression. This was odd that I noticed it now; though, 10 years ago I noticed them all.
I won’t go into those prejudices because they are irrelevant. What I wanted to blog about is the self expression part.
There is a great sense of equality these days, that everyone is the same, everyone should be treated the same, and equally. That’s bullshit; everyone is not the same – why would you want to tell your children that? If everyone is equal then how do you explain to them the difference between the 80# living Barbie doll in their class to their 100# female warrior without creating insecurity? There are winners and losers, and not everyone is a winner. There are people that are attracted to the 80# Barbie and people that are attracted to the 100# female warrior. In my opinion the 100# female warrior is much more useful than Barbie. Your only skill-set being looking cute, having a great manicure, perfectly placed hair and a 22” waist really doesn’t serve a purpose in the real world…real life isn’t a reality show.
Self expression is often viewed as some selfish individual phenomenon…..and it is. But this selfish phenomenon creates stimulation, direction and a personal trust in oneself. Self expression is freedom, creativity, style, courage, self-assurance, personal healing and spirituality. This is a strong person.
My grandfather, who I love dearly but is severely close minded, assumes because I have tattoos that I know or will instinctively get along with someone else that has tattoos. That’s precious. The point that he misses about my self-expression is that when you have the balls to be self expressive your need for a social support system is slim. I don’t need a pack of wolves to run with to verify my views. I generally run side by side with a great man I tricked into marrying me ;-).
Speech: being able to say what you mean and want to say. But I don’t mean just communicate verbally but having the character to back it up. Speech is actually one of my biggest annoyances. I’d much rather prefer a thoughtful and self-disciplined silence. Most of the time when I talk with someone they practice relatively great caution because the potential negative social implications, so why are you talking?
I won’t go into those prejudices because they are irrelevant. What I wanted to blog about is the self expression part.
There is a great sense of equality these days, that everyone is the same, everyone should be treated the same, and equally. That’s bullshit; everyone is not the same – why would you want to tell your children that? If everyone is equal then how do you explain to them the difference between the 80# living Barbie doll in their class to their 100# female warrior without creating insecurity? There are winners and losers, and not everyone is a winner. There are people that are attracted to the 80# Barbie and people that are attracted to the 100# female warrior. In my opinion the 100# female warrior is much more useful than Barbie. Your only skill-set being looking cute, having a great manicure, perfectly placed hair and a 22” waist really doesn’t serve a purpose in the real world…real life isn’t a reality show.
Self expression is often viewed as some selfish individual phenomenon…..and it is. But this selfish phenomenon creates stimulation, direction and a personal trust in oneself. Self expression is freedom, creativity, style, courage, self-assurance, personal healing and spirituality. This is a strong person.
My grandfather, who I love dearly but is severely close minded, assumes because I have tattoos that I know or will instinctively get along with someone else that has tattoos. That’s precious. The point that he misses about my self-expression is that when you have the balls to be self expressive your need for a social support system is slim. I don’t need a pack of wolves to run with to verify my views. I generally run side by side with a great man I tricked into marrying me ;-).
Speech: being able to say what you mean and want to say. But I don’t mean just communicate verbally but having the character to back it up. Speech is actually one of my biggest annoyances. I’d much rather prefer a thoughtful and self-disciplined silence. Most of the time when I talk with someone they practice relatively great caution because the potential negative social implications, so why are you talking?
Your potential is reduced when you stifle your self-expression. A friend I work with told me when he saw my new tattoo that he would never get a tattoo because he wouldn’t want people to think critically of him in his job. He told me he has spent a lifetime building his reputation and one tattoo would ruin it for years. Wow, this truly saddens me; to stifle your individualism for the sake of others is a meaningless and illogical journey . My job will never be that important to me. When I die the last thing people will remember is what I did at this desk, pushing paper from one side to the other; sending emails; regurgitating reports and memos.
Well said!!! To each his own is my motto. Great Blog Ang I love your tattoo.
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