Comparisons with Fiction
Dear America,
I think it's about time we had a serious discussion on identity. It's hard enough to figure out who or what I am when there's a constant deluge of information out there saying what various groups think I should be. Back in the day, the biggest concern was Star Magazine and the neighbor's wife's new dress, but now we have Facebook, Twitter, the Kardashians, and whatever it is that John Legend is tiktoking about.
I could understand if these "icons" gave me something to strive for, but it's only partially real in a real world. I swore off most social media years ago because of this very issue. On Instagram, we pack our photo albums with the latest touched up selfie with at least two filters and a slight addition of photoshop just to make sure our junk really stands out. Meanwhile, on Facebook I'll mention that latest promotion without mentioning the fact that my kids are a mess and the Misses may be sleeping with her boss. In the end, the world I present is an idealized version of my life (at best), but likely no more fictitious than the shitty books I cranked out a few years back.
Now, forgive me, I'm ranting a bit, but I want to be honest. The individual seems to be getting sold down the river in favor of a beautiful fantasy made of clouds. How is a man supposed to contend with it all?
There's something very special about you because (let's be honest), no one else can do the job. You're not perfect, but isn't that the whole point? Flaws aren't sexy (per se), but they're real at least. If you spend all day comparing yourself to someone else, at least find something of substance. Otherwise you're just chasing mirages.
Sincerely,
Calhoun
I think it's about time we had a serious discussion on identity. It's hard enough to figure out who or what I am when there's a constant deluge of information out there saying what various groups think I should be. Back in the day, the biggest concern was Star Magazine and the neighbor's wife's new dress, but now we have Facebook, Twitter, the Kardashians, and whatever it is that John Legend is tiktoking about.
I could understand if these "icons" gave me something to strive for, but it's only partially real in a real world. I swore off most social media years ago because of this very issue. On Instagram, we pack our photo albums with the latest touched up selfie with at least two filters and a slight addition of photoshop just to make sure our junk really stands out. Meanwhile, on Facebook I'll mention that latest promotion without mentioning the fact that my kids are a mess and the Misses may be sleeping with her boss. In the end, the world I present is an idealized version of my life (at best), but likely no more fictitious than the shitty books I cranked out a few years back.
Now, forgive me, I'm ranting a bit, but I want to be honest. The individual seems to be getting sold down the river in favor of a beautiful fantasy made of clouds. How is a man supposed to contend with it all?
There's something very special about you because (let's be honest), no one else can do the job. You're not perfect, but isn't that the whole point? Flaws aren't sexy (per se), but they're real at least. If you spend all day comparing yourself to someone else, at least find something of substance. Otherwise you're just chasing mirages.
Sincerely,
Calhoun
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