So, I gained access to a much coveted position in my school recently. I became a Part Time student; meaning that I have two courses out of a possible four. This lends me a pretty two free periods, and believe me, I certainly appreciate them. However, on my second free period today, I encountered a rather unpleasant individual. She was incredibly judgmental, going through my iPod, and telling me what is crap, and then going on to deny that Ska that comes before Streetlight Manifesto isn't true Ska.
Typically, this wouldn't bug me, just another quasi intellectual, too big for their britches. However, they started talking about how they went through their rebellious stage, consisting of getting drunk all the time, and getting high/baked/etc, and how cool they were for doing it.
Excuse me?
Rebellious?
I'm not sure why no one else has seemed to write this, but this sort of self destructive "rebellion" isn't rebellious. It's the norm, and people that think they're so bad-ass for doing it are dumb. It doesn't make you cool, that you go out and do this sorta thing. The main point I've heard on this is that "I can have fun without it, but I prefer being stoned/drunk/whatever." Well, that's all well and good, but what good does it do you in the long run? You get used to only being able to enjoy yourself with a drink or joint in hand, and become dependent on it for a good time.
I mean, hypothetically I'm more rebellious because I decided for myself that getting drunk was a waste of time. I've had access to alcohol if I wanted it since I was five, so maybe it's just because it was never a big deal. I decided for myself that I wasn't interested in getting drunk or high. If I happen to drink too much, that's one thing. My goal however, isn't to get drunk from the start, it's to enjoy the taste of a beverage. (For the record, I don't think I'm rebellious)
It's no different than liking something just to fit in. The girl in question said herself that she only got into that sort of thing when she started dating her current boyfriend. Given that, it's likely it was to fit in with his group more easily.
Speaking of people liking something to fit in, what's with all the Nightmare before Christmas fans?
I don't mean people who genuinely enjoy it, but rather the ones that run out and buy patches of Jack Skellington, and wear t-shirts of it constantly? I'm referring more to Tim Burton fanatics here, by the way. I've encountered several who've never really paid attention to, or seen the movies, but wear it because it's hip and popular.
I'm tired of people faking themselves just to fit in. I met a very nice girl earlier this year who had been a closet anime fan, until she decided to be her own person, and now comes to Anime club, despite her friend's teasings.
In short, the world is very sheep-like, prone to stereotypes and brand marketing. This shouldn't be how it is, but it is.
No offense was intended in this post, I'm just blowing off steam.
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