Wednesday, August 27, 2008
I know what everyone says about being yourself, being true, doing whatever you like. But the sad truth is, how long can we actually be true to ourselves?
The moment we exist, societal norms and parental, even peer pressure shape us to be what we have become today. We are like pawns in a giant multi-national ( in Singapore's context, yes) controlled by the top few who hold power, and influenced from Day 1 by people who have experience in Life (or so they say).
What are we living for, exactly? It might seem like the politically correct answer to say, ourselves. However, do we believe in it when we say that? How many of us would drop every single consideration, every emotional thread holding us back to do whatever we want?
Can we truly be free, then? The truth is, we are living in a world that is run in the way an enormous trans-national company would be. We are just chess pieces in what is termed Development or economical and technological Development.
We exist to bring improvement to society, and contribute in our Own Little Ways. The scientists would discover new medicines for mankind, mathematicians formulate the equations and architects help shape the world. Politicians govern us and strive to bring their own countries, or do we say, the several departments of the Company we are all working for, up the social ladder , up the Company ranking, up the economic hierarchy, and in the middle of all these, bring social welfare to the people.
What do the people termed artists do then? They beautify the world, they bring a different concept of life in Life itself. They incorporate Life with Beauty, and showcase the exquisite masterpieces to the world. In the end, what they do is still subjective. Appreciated by some, hated by others.
In the end, the people who have nothing to prove, no tangible evidence of their supposed ingenuity, are kicked off and left right at the bottom of the life coporate ladder. They might be chock-full of morals, might be the sweetest person on Earth, but without that proof of their worth, that contribution or awards we so often hold in awe, they are nothing.
Society looks down on them, everyone secretly(or not so secretly) believes they are incapable of delivering. They will sigh and sympathise, but in the end, they move on. They cannot help. No matter what you do, if there are no results, you are left holding the bag. (Empty bag, in this case.)
So how can we actually say we live for ourselves? It is only to that certain extent (and a very minute one at that) that we can say we live for ourselves. And before we do that, we have to break free from social stigma, norms and expectations.
One can say, however, that we are always free to choose to do whatever we like. But will society appreciate me if i just play the violin or do the ballet? I would have to internationally known, or be a world renowned artist to gain that recognition and satisfaction that what I have done is correct.
In the end, it still boils down to competition and success. We all have to adhere to the basic steps to gain the necessary survival skill, aka degrees and doctorates before we can even comtemplate choosing to do what we like.
However, one can still be whoever one wants to be, althugh this is only in terms of personality and character. And since this is basically the only freedom we're granted, why not make full use of it? Make yourself, known, and do whatever you want. Say whatever guidelines your morals and give scant regard for those who criticise, unless it is to improve yourself and develop your character.
It is not wrong to do what one deems right, as long as your conscience is clear and gives you a peace of mind. What the others might say, take it with a pinch of salt. After all, if they cannot accept you for who you are, unruffled, self confident and self assured, if slightly contemptous, they are better off without.
Why not try standing up to what you believe in? Trying to please all pleases none. In the end, all you have to answer to is yourself. If they don't get it, too bad for them.
Perhaps they could just stick it in their diet yogurts and eat it, if they ain't already majorly anorexic. Some should just learn that another's diet may not be their cup of tea.
Res Ipsa Loquitur. Labels: sideways bitchiness and catty remarks bounces off me.
loved on 11:17 AM
