Humanity is a group that we all belong to in this world (unless
you’re an alien from outer space). However, though we are part of the
group called “humanity” and the subset groups of nations, states,
provinces, towns, neighborhoods, cultures, families, generations,
genders, etc., we are also individuals with our own likes, dislikes and
taste. We all have our own opinions.
There are just as many different opinions as to what is beautiful, sounds good, reads well, tastes good or feels nice as there are individuals in the world. We all have our own private aesthetic. But because we’re also part of the groups and want to feel “in”, sometimes we feel like we have to sacrifice our aesthetics for what is considered cool by the group or one individual. Or we just plain don’t want to argue about it, don’t want to discuss. It’s easier to shrug and let others railroad us into agreeing with them on what is considered “good” music, art, literature, movies, plays, tv, hell, even sheet sets.
But I’m here to tell you – Own Your Aesthetic.
I’m just as bad as anyone else about not owning what I like or don’t like. But, I still think, as far as you can, if you like loli-goth steampunk YA literature then own it. If you can’t stand that black is the new black and would like yellow to be the new black, then own it. If you like raggedy ragtime on hurdy gurdies and accordions played with a polka beat, then OWN it. If you like dill pickles, mayo and mustard on rye and hate chocolate then OWN it.
Sure, nothing wrong with trying new things, expanding your experiences, etc. After all, that’s the only way to learn what you do and don’t like. But, at the end of the day, don’t let anyone talk you into liking something that you don’t like.
So, just putting it out there, in case you think you might need permission. You are allowed to like what you like and not like what you don’t like. And that makes you no better and no worse than anyone else on the planet.
Own your aesthetic.
There are just as many different opinions as to what is beautiful, sounds good, reads well, tastes good or feels nice as there are individuals in the world. We all have our own private aesthetic. But because we’re also part of the groups and want to feel “in”, sometimes we feel like we have to sacrifice our aesthetics for what is considered cool by the group or one individual. Or we just plain don’t want to argue about it, don’t want to discuss. It’s easier to shrug and let others railroad us into agreeing with them on what is considered “good” music, art, literature, movies, plays, tv, hell, even sheet sets.
But I’m here to tell you – Own Your Aesthetic.
I’m just as bad as anyone else about not owning what I like or don’t like. But, I still think, as far as you can, if you like loli-goth steampunk YA literature then own it. If you can’t stand that black is the new black and would like yellow to be the new black, then own it. If you like raggedy ragtime on hurdy gurdies and accordions played with a polka beat, then OWN it. If you like dill pickles, mayo and mustard on rye and hate chocolate then OWN it.
Sure, nothing wrong with trying new things, expanding your experiences, etc. After all, that’s the only way to learn what you do and don’t like. But, at the end of the day, don’t let anyone talk you into liking something that you don’t like.
So, just putting it out there, in case you think you might need permission. You are allowed to like what you like and not like what you don’t like. And that makes you no better and no worse than anyone else on the planet.
Own your aesthetic.
2 comments:
Good point. A lot of folks seem vaguely ashamed of some of their likes. I've never been that way. Unabashedly loving heavy metal and pulp fiction and Star Trek.
Werd! And that's one of the many things I like about you!
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