have to automatically impose their own beliefs/expectations/standards/etc. on anyone that simply crosses their path? At first glance this question may seem obvious to answer and quite honestly it is a rather age-old inquiry. Various social topics from racism, the economic caste system, and religion are perhaps most closely associated with this natural question that arises, especially when said categories are thrust upon our own person. By nature, I am an individual that has difficulty fitting into specific categories (my personality tests are prime examples) and subsequently have been pelted with too many questions, ridicules, and everything in between when I absent-mindedly deviate from the norm. I suppose I should strive to "fit-in", as if we don't hear enough about this problem in the school system (public or private), but I've never had the desire to sincerely follow the common path. Perhaps my genetics are just not conducive with such a path... which is all together not necessarily a bad thing. The stereotypical picture we envision when these thoughts bubble up is a style-challenged "nerd" or a "gothed-out" teenager roaming the mall (I use the previous terms very loosely). However, this is not exactly the same scenario I attempt to illustrate, or at least when referencing myself. Granted, my clothing style has never been "good-ol'" boy but it has also never been so far from the "expected norm" that you'd immediately pick me out of a crowd (well, maybe sometimes). My choice of hair color (bleach blonde/white, occasional lavender tips and black roots) and a few earrings have also raised a few eyebrows... and as recently as today. I've scaled down my piercings from six to two and was ridiculed for having an identity crisis when a few people gained knowledge of such style choices. I say style choices because I did not choose to display myself in such a manner based upon insecurities, the desire to be appreciated and acclaimed by a particular group, or an attempt to make a point and stand out from the status quo. Of course, many individuals in the two groups mentioned earlier can easily fit into one or all three of the previously stated reasons.
But what about those persons that do not fit into any of the reasons? Could their justification simply be a chosen self presentation of who they truly are inside? Perhaps this so-called identity crisis is in actuality quite the opposite. Instead of an individual searching we have an individual in tune and willing to present an uninhibited example of what makes him/her tick. Perhaps, they don't fear the masses; perhaps they don't care what the masses think or say; and perhaps they have come to accept all the details and complexities of their personality;... perhaps they have a hint of apathy and are able to inexplicably live.
I used to attempt a verbal explanation for myself in hopes of vindication, but now I simply look upon most people with apathy and a touch of sadness. I say sadness because I recognize how limited these individual's minds are that they are unable to see past the end of their nose. They may boastfully proclaim a certain mindset of openness and acceptance but these attributes are only present in a few arenas much less any at all. Now, I am not willing to accept everything and I undoubtedly believe in absolute truths, but there are many instances when current evaluation must override precept; knowing when to choose which course shows true wisdom.
I will agree to the fact that I have grown somewhat cynical of people in general, but there are those I have the utmost respect for and treat accordingly. For the rest, I take what they say and what they do with a grain of salt and with full knowledge their reputation of ignorance has already preceded.
(These are but simple thoughts radiating from a holistic stream of consciousness and may be amended at any time)
