In today’s world, we’re all drowning in varied media forms. Everywhere you go, everywhere you look, you’re being sold something - an image, a product or a lifestyle. Theres a constant underlying message that you what you have and do isn’t good enough because theres always going to be something staring you in the face that you don’t have or can’t do. I, like everyone else, can spend hours, probably days just watching TV. In essence, many reality shows are just a waste of time but their popularity indicates otherwise. Why is it that we can spend hours watching how “society girls” in LA and New York go shopping in exclusive boutiques, sip on low fat, no cream cappuccinos and very intently discuss the latest boy drama that has taken over their lives? At times, I wish my life was oh so simple and wonder what it would be like to spend a few days in the midst of all their luxury. But also, I secretly snigger in delight at the thought that millions of people aren’t there to watch my every blond moment, accidental trip and other general stupidity (those of you that know me, know that there are a lot of these).
So, here we are in the 21st century, where basically anything goes - teenagers happy slapping, being on camera almost everywhere you go and having piercings that cover your entire face. And yet, so many of us spend our time wanting and trying to be something we’re not, trying to be normal and generally fitting in. But being normal lacks everything - individuality, courage, independence and faith. This isn’t to say that we should all try our hardest to be an extreme, just that the little things that define and differentiate you from the other 6,697,254,041 people in the world are things you should treasure and publicize. It’s much easier to hold back, quietly smiling and blending into the walls. In some ways, I envy these reality stars who are confident and fearless when letting strangers into their most intimate moments. They handle the bright lights, constant criticism and judgment and don’t let it get in their way. I used to be so conscious and fearful of the words and thoughts of others but i’ve come to realize that success or failure, the only opinions that matter are your own and of those you love.
Despite spending the majority of my life in Dar and knowing that my roots will always be there, I’ve started to feel that a bigger part of me has blossomed in England. When I first came, people laughed curiously at my “funny” American accent, words like “sawa” and “basi” and couldn’t understand why I felt so cold when it supposedly a warm autumn day. Three years on, those unique features have slowly faded away and rather when I go back home, it’s my slightly awkward British accent with words like “init” and “bare” thats commented on. Although the general response would be to laugh and brush it off, it got me thinking about society’s conforms. The general expectation is that you blend in to wherever it is you are, just enough not be unnoticed but enough to be accepted. Cliched as it may be, it’s not about adapting to the media, to your community or anything else, it’s about being yourself and being proud of it. Now I know that no matter where I go and confused as I may be, village girl or not, this is who I am.
So, here we are in the 21st century, where basically anything goes - teenagers happy slapping, being on camera almost everywhere you go and having piercings that cover your entire face. And yet, so many of us spend our time wanting and trying to be something we’re not, trying to be normal and generally fitting in. But being normal lacks everything - individuality, courage, independence and faith. This isn’t to say that we should all try our hardest to be an extreme, just that the little things that define and differentiate you from the other 6,697,254,041 people in the world are things you should treasure and publicize. It’s much easier to hold back, quietly smiling and blending into the walls. In some ways, I envy these reality stars who are confident and fearless when letting strangers into their most intimate moments. They handle the bright lights, constant criticism and judgment and don’t let it get in their way. I used to be so conscious and fearful of the words and thoughts of others but i’ve come to realize that success or failure, the only opinions that matter are your own and of those you love.
Despite spending the majority of my life in Dar and knowing that my roots will always be there, I’ve started to feel that a bigger part of me has blossomed in England. When I first came, people laughed curiously at my “funny” American accent, words like “sawa” and “basi” and couldn’t understand why I felt so cold when it supposedly a warm autumn day. Three years on, those unique features have slowly faded away and rather when I go back home, it’s my slightly awkward British accent with words like “init” and “bare” thats commented on. Although the general response would be to laugh and brush it off, it got me thinking about society’s conforms. The general expectation is that you blend in to wherever it is you are, just enough not be unnoticed but enough to be accepted. Cliched as it may be, it’s not about adapting to the media, to your community or anything else, it’s about being yourself and being proud of it. Now I know that no matter where I go and confused as I may be, village girl or not, this is who I am.
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