Except you’ve been hiding under a rock, or you mysteriously
migrated to Mars, you must have caught the hullabaloo about the sartorial feats
on the Golden Globes red carpet.
I’m not a big fan of celebrity award events or celebrity
fashion trends, but I had to treat my eyes to the quirky blend of odd designs,
clashes of bold colours and rolls of sweeping fabric floating across the red carpet because almost
every site I visited was shoving the photos under my nose.
And no, I am not moaning about the coverage - it’s nice to
have some fluffy news once in a while. Rather, I am scoffing at the contrived
attempt at uniqueness and originality in the fashion designs. One newspaper
commentator praised the celebrities’ fashion choice, saying: “the world's biggest
stars shirked trends in favour of individual statements …”
Hmm…not sure if they were making
individual statements, or they were wearing dresses that their designers
thought would make individual statements.
Anyway, down to my point. At best, the
attempt at originality was an illusion. Why? The world cannot deal with
originality. The world cannot deal with difference. Originality and difference
is feared and avoided. And if you want
to get ahead in life, it’s best you blend in with the crowd.
Sounds terrible, I know. But the general
aversion to difference is not such a bad thing in itself. It’s a messy, convoluted
world out there and in order to construct meaning, it’s necessary for us to
build stereotypes for easy navigation and categorization.
These stereotypes produce norms, values
and preferences, which dictate many of our actions.
It’s little wonder that Hitler was scrupulous
about camera positioning during his speeches and in ensuring members of his
entourage did not tower over him. He was vertically challenged, and he knew
that in general there was, and still is, a preference for taller leaders. So he tried to disguise his ‘deficiency’.
The status quo dictates that to fit
into society, you need to
Dress a certain way to gain respect and
validity
Talk a certain way
Think a certain way
Act a certain way
Wear your hair a certain way (e.g. tales
of African American kids being sent home from school for wearing ‘unruly’ hair
that the school authorities deem distracting never go away)
Write a certain way (for aspiring
authors, you’ll literally remain a ‘household
name’ (known only by your household) if your writing doesn’t tick the right
boxes)
So, if you still have fancy ideas about
trailblazing your way into history with some marks of originality, the world
has moved beyond that.
Mass production for mass consumption is
the order of the day.
Welcome to the new reality – enjoy!
That is a tough take Fresh Angle. Because it seems that the only logical end for a person blending into society is to disappear! Originality is sought because seeing the same thing done every day is boring and monotonous. I do agree with you that a society will only acknowledge you when you fit into its accepted mold. What is acceptable differs greatly depending on the place and time. However, I think that the key is not to be afraid of being yourself. Every individual human on earth is unique, even our DNA's differ. That is the key to originality and innovation, not being afraid to be yourself, even if what you are differs from the general standard of a society at that time. Over time and given changed places, what isn't acceptable in China, will become acceptable in the United States.
ReplyDeleteWell spoken, Dlaw. Thanks for your comment. I also agree that we shouldn't be afraid to be ourselves. Problem is, swimming against the tide can be alienating, and exact a huge price. On the whole, I believe striking a balance between conformity and originality is needed. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteHi Oluchi. I've been an avid reader of your stories on Nairaland but noticed you've not been there for a while. Would really love to read more creative writing (fictional) stuff from you. Any chance of you returning?
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, I just wondered if you've got any published literature. I sure would love to read them, if you got them.
Cheers,
Your Avid Fan (Ms).
Hi Avid Fan!
DeleteI am greatly, massively flattered to read your comment. Thank you so so much.
Indeed, it's been ages since I posted on Nairaland. I'm not published yet, but still hoping for a big break.
Okay, now you've persuaded me. I'll look through my stock of creative writing and see what I can post.
Thanks again!
in my opinion,i think the world is facing originality problem,there is no encouragement for it.Not been patient and pressure from society to meet up with what is the latest can be a problem with coming out with the best,so the only way is to flow with crowd.I believe in balance as you rightly stated,originality remains the only thing that will stand the test of time,it should not sacrified in the altar of mediocrity.people who value it will always appreciate it.Good work
ReplyDeleteThat's a great point, Chuks. Our current 'microwave' culture demands instant gratification. But we mustn't forget only originality will stand the test of time. A balance must be struck somewhere. Thanks for your comment.
ReplyDelete