I’d like to say I’m sorry for these quirks, but I’m
not. They are deliberate, and I have adopted them for several reasons.
Besides, strange behavior is often only strange by accident. After all, fashion is a social construct, started by trendsetters and incredibly fickle. My odd fashion choices now may prove prophetic years in the future.
But there is actual logic behind quirky behavior. For one thing, it puts society's hypocrisy on full display. In a world that always claims to cherish non-conformity, it is striking how much societal pressure there is to conform to prevailing norms. People who do odd things are criticized for “being weird” or “not going with the flow,” and are not championed; instead, they are bashed for their strangeness.
More importantly, odd behavior draws other people out of themselves. Most people are self-absorbed; odd behavior forces people to acknowledge the quirky habits of an individual. Odd behavior demands a human response, and evokes a semblance of concern from another people which polite behavior rarely does.
For humanity is depressingly object-centered. People ALWAYS notice a stick, or
gloves, or any object out of the ordinary, yet rarely,observe the look on
someone’s face when someone is sad, or joyful, or angry. Many people care a great deal about objects or fashion choices, but have little concern for the human person.
We humans observe sunglasses on a man's head, but fail to see the sorrow in his eyes; we compliment a young lady on her new dress or hairstyle, but ignore the glow of her newly in love.
But human beings are PEOPLE – humans with
thoughts, feelings, and emotions, and not merely constructs of bodies and
attached objects. And any means by which I can help people understand that, even seemingly odd ones, I will utilize.
Even the caricature of
caring wrought by quirkiness is better than no concern at all. So I'll keep wearing my sunglasses and gloves, thank you very much.
"We humans observe sunglasses on a man's head, but fail to see the sorrow in his eyes." Um, dunno about all humans, but male humans certainly try to avoid dwelling on the eyes of others. Or at least, they should. Have a care, Lightning Rod. Some of the worst features of modern culture result from the "Look at me!" impulse and its attendant over-familiarity, lack of reserve, and -- almost counter-intuitively -- insincerity and fakery. Oprah wants us to look into each others eyes.
ReplyDeleteBesides,it's fine to affect idiosyncrasies, but the argument can be made that doing so to provoke some desired response is essentially treating humans as lab rats, and is by definition as self-centered as it gets.
I think Anonymous's points would be valid if this post was meant to be taken absolutely literally, but in my opinion, he is perhaps missing a bit of the post's humor and sarcasm. If I'm correct, Lightning Rod just wants to say it's ok and even good to be a bit weird--not that we should be weird deliberately and for it's own sake. How does Flannery put it: "The Truth will make you odd"? The best line of this post, I think: "Most people are self-absorbed; odd behavior forces people to acknowledge the quirky habits of an individual. Odd behavior demands a human response, and evokes a semblance of concern from another people which polite behavior rarely does." Very amusing!
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree that quirky behavior has its benefits, this seems to be the beginning of a slippery slope. At what point does quirkiness become unacceptable? Sunglasses, gloves, and sticks are one thing, but what if someone wears a clown mask to work every day, claiming that it is mere "quirkiness"? There is a place for quirkiness, but its border with disturbing behavior can be easily blurred.
ReplyDeleteAnother concern is that of focusing too much on the individual. True, quirky behavior can make others see that there IS an individual before them, but could this perhaps lead to a radical individualism? People craving attention could act in truly unusual, but perhaps inappropriate ways.
Anyway, these are just a few thoughts. But keep wearing the shades and gloves Lightning Rod!
Thanks for commenting, everybody!
ReplyDeleteIdiosyncrasy SOLELY for the sake of idiosyncrasy is foolish at best, and destructive at worst. Being "strange" or "odd" can serve as mere-attention grabbing, and be the result of pride and arrogance.
However, quirkiness serves a purpose, IF placed in its proper perspective. If idiosyncrasy is used to draw people out of themselves, spark conversation, and think, it is a good thing.
Not everyone is naturally quirky. In people who are not naturally quirky, they should not seek to develop their talent. But those who do have that talent should not spurn it.
In summary, a tendency to idiosyncrasy is a gift to be used very carefully, for good reasons.
@Horatio: Too much idiosyncrasy is foolish. Obviously, one must use his judgment on when to use it, depending on time, place, and situation. Any solemn place is not the place for odd behavior, that is clear.