Plucking Leafs from My Tree of Memories
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Chapter Five
The Essence of Individuality
Perhaps the first focus of the viewer on my highschool graduation picture would be directed on my hair. Look at that bangs! In fact, this hairstyle shocked some teachers and relatives during the time. Until now I would often wonder why many people consider uniqueness a negative quality. Isn't this the essence of individuality? Don't we all strive to be our own person? Or, at least emulate the positive qualities of our chosen icons?
It was during my highschool years (1984–1988) when I fully discovered the beauty of Punk Rock and New Wave music—the alternative music genres of the Eighties. With the upsurgence of eccentrically fashionable British artists like The Cure, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Echo & the Bunnymen, The Lotus Eaters, New Order, Siouxsie & the Banshees, The Smiths, and Tears for Fears, I was sweeped by the entire New Wave phenomenon—from music to fashion—an artistic expression which I embrace up to this day.
Call it weird or rebellious, or even sacrilegious (I having been a Catholic-school student); but my highschool graduation picture, I believe, is the perfect representation of myself in the prime of my youth—where began my literary and musical journey which would take me to creative realms as a vocalist/composer of a New Wave band (1987–2003); an editor/writer of scholastic magazines (2000–2003); and a bard at heart, to this day still weaving poetry and stories.
Chapter Five
The Essence of Individuality
Perhaps the first focus of the viewer on my highschool graduation picture would be directed on my hair. Look at that bangs! In fact, this hairstyle shocked some teachers and relatives during the time. Until now I would often wonder why many people consider uniqueness a negative quality. Isn't this the essence of individuality? Don't we all strive to be our own person? Or, at least emulate the positive qualities of our chosen icons?It was during my highschool years (1984–1988) when I fully discovered the beauty of Punk Rock and New Wave music—the alternative music genres of the Eighties. With the upsurgence of eccentrically fashionable British artists like The Cure, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Echo & the Bunnymen, The Lotus Eaters, New Order, Siouxsie & the Banshees, The Smiths, and Tears for Fears, I was sweeped by the entire New Wave phenomenon—from music to fashion—an artistic expression which I embrace up to this day.
Call it weird or rebellious, or even sacrilegious (I having been a Catholic-school student); but my highschool graduation picture, I believe, is the perfect representation of myself in the prime of my youth—where began my literary and musical journey which would take me to creative realms as a vocalist/composer of a New Wave band (1987–2003); an editor/writer of scholastic magazines (2000–2003); and a bard at heart, to this day still weaving poetry and stories.
posted by eLf ideas @ 1:25:00 PM
4 Comments:
At Tuesday, February 22, 2005 10:42:00 PM,
Danielle said…
Some people aren't comfortable with the individuality of others. They may subconsciously feel that only conformity is "safe", and those who are different aren't safe. When people dress, talk, think, and look alike, there is nothing unexpected, nothing to be surprised by. But when people stray from what's considered the norm, others may look at them with caution or even suspicion. Unfortunately, that is the cause of most prejudices and stereotypes in this world -- suspicion of what's unfamiliar.
Then there are those (like me) who see individuality as a thing to embrace and celebrate. People who are different stand out in a crowd and make the world much more interesting.
I think it's a great picture, btw. Hmm, maybe I should post MY high school pic, since I put up my pics from 1976. But maybe I shouldn't; I don't want to scare everyone away from my blog! hahahaha...
At Wednesday, February 23, 2005 12:50:00 AM,
Anonymous said…
i didnt even notice your hair (maybe coz im used to your weirder hairstyles) the first time you showed me this pic, hon. was transfixed with your gentle yet penetrating gaze. innocent? NOT! haha!
-c.
At Monday, February 28, 2005 1:05:00 AM,
Anonymous said…
oo nga eh hahaha!
-c.
At Tuesday, March 01, 2005 3:13:00 AM,
Anonymous said…
normal is boring. strange is beautiful.
people are afraid of things they don't understand.
kids are different in my case... kids usually sees me as a cartoon character or a wrestling superstar. and i consider myself normal. i'm sure you're a hit with kids too.
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