Vanity

First off a quick mention- Gilian who sent me a really awesome email. I loved your cat bitch moment! Remember I love hearing from you guys because I know, I can’t be the only kitten who likes to get her claws out…

Anyway, in the email Gillian touched upon something that has always been socially criticized; narcissism. Now for the record, I do not endorse serious narcissism. As a topic though, I find the concept of Narcissism of fascinating: the general consensus is that Narcissism is viewed a negative thing and I don’t entirely disagree with that belief. Still what people fail to acknowledge, is that we all posses a narcissistic streak to some extent. Remember; healthy narcissism is a realistic interest in one’s self and there is nothing wrong with that.

Now I’ve never been called narcissistic, but I have been called vain; which as you can imagine I took offense to. As I recall, I was checking my hair in the bedroom mirror. Now how is that being vain? Was I suppose to walk out of the house looking like I had pubes for a hair? I think not.

“Self love, my liege, is not so vile a sin as self neglecting…” - William Shakespeare

What hurt was that I don’t think the accuser really understood the meaning of her words. Calling someone vain is something you should never do lightly: it implies that you devalue other people’s qualities and consider yourself far more superior.

The funny thing is that nowadays, more people are encouraged to groom, exercise and generally give a shit about how they look; why? Because almost everyone’s first impression of you, is based on how you look. Sad but true. We now live in a world where we are expected to be the best versions of ourselves.

So what is considered narcissistic now? I’m not sure anyone knows anymore. Because now we’re more obsessed with what we could be, than what we are. What we look like, rather than who we are.

Another thing that no one likes to mention is those people on the other spectrum of vain. The people who don’t give a shit about what they look like at all and I mean really don’t give a shit. Why is it alright for them to skulk around in drab anoraks and ugly shoes? Fucking Crocs.

I think before we start attacking the people who give a damn; we should first rectify the people who don’t care at all. Because obviously they are in need of some serious TLC and stylistic education. At least I hope so: I refuse to believe that anyone is happy just blending into the background.