“You look like ass,” a friend remarked, referring to my head shot in the Pipe Dream newspaper. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t offended or ticked by his comment. Though I must admit that the bluntness of his observation was not surprising, neither was it refreshing.
If by chance you neglected to notice my appearance, I applaud your carelessness and lack of attention to detail. Don’t mind the image of my slighted face.
Friends have advised me to retake my picture, but my stubbornness and slothfulness have halted any attempts at doing so. I’m also apprehensive that my loveliness may blind Pipe Dream followers. Scoff.
In actuality, I don’t care. Correction: I shouldn’t care. Where superficiality may reign in other areas of my social life, I will not let it govern my freedom of expression. I will not let it mar my words, those which I create and mold. I’d rather have someone commend me on my opinions and suggestions than hear meaningless compliments on how banging my visage is.
Superficiality, catalyst for the Trojan War and a prevalent nuisance, is why people cannot reach their highest potential. There is intense pressure from society to be beautiful, to be thin and to be respected. In this sense, not only does superficiality branch out to physical attractiveness but to one’s reputation, preferences and occupation.
An acquaintance once said that musicians, writers and artists don’t have real vocations. They do not go through intense hardships or receive any highly valued rewards. Why bother pursuing an ambition that barely gains recognition?
Additionally, when family members hear that I want to major in English, they nod enthusiastically but do not realize that they are unconsciously frowning. Consequently, they begin to suggest being a doctor or a lawyer or even a businessman because they’re “respected” positions and conveniently make loads of money.
God forbid that I choose a career that is not to my family’s liking. In reply to everyone’s proposal to reconsider my future, I would like to respond with a Confucius quote: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
If one chooses their career based on superficial reasons, then how can the people they are interacting with or helping trust their abilities? These people, I feel, are easily swayed by money, family and society when a profession should be based on someone’s passion to improve their life as well as the lives of others.
I understand that following in the steps of a prestigious parent or needing to feel secure financially is a realistic motive; however, when people speak of following one’s dreams, I don’t think they mean any occupation that serves big fat checks at 299,792,458 meters per second (the speed of light).
There should be fervor and affection for what one does, because only then will respect be officially earned. A career should not be a burden but an articulation of one’s abilities and personality; it should promote individual development.
So screw Helen of Troy. Screw reputation. Screw monetary gain.
Screw them all.
For I know my purpose isn’t to bless people’s eyes with an angelic face or to make millions — even if it would be a plus — or to impress anyone, but to be honest and to be genuine to others and to myself.