I'm fortunate that my recent activities (such as my travels, personal events, and academic presentations) have been recorded, meaning I can share them on Facebook.
Publicly, it looks like I've had a lot of success. But in my eyes, I see three (pretty average) things:
1) I competed in 3MT.
2) I cut my hair.
3) I went on a holiday.
Publicly, it looks like I've had a lot of success. But in my eyes, I see three (pretty average) things:
1) I competed in 3MT.
2) I cut my hair.
3) I went on a holiday.
And when I stack those against the set-backs that I've experienced, the two piles suddenly seem astronomically uneven. The difference, though, is that these set-backs are rarely broadcasted. They're kept locked away in a chest in the attic of my mind, heavy in weight but unseen by the world. Often, I'll pull down the attic stairs, scurry up the steps, open the chest with painful ease, and rifle through them. Occasionally, I'll take someone with me. I don't post these set-backs to Facebook because it feels embarrassing and no one wants to attend a pity party. So I complain here. |
In all seriousness though, I write these thoughts on this blog because I believe that it is through discussion that we can change people's perceptions. We've begun to change the way we see women's bodies, black lives, and religious minorities* - let's also look at how we pity failure and glorify success. How can we expect people to feel content in all they do if we've socially conditioned ourselves to only broadcast our accomplishments and keep our set-backs secret?
I'm not sure how to go about bringing this change that I'm calling for. I think it starts at the individual level. Be aware of how you react to what people say/do/post, and maybe even reflect on what you choose to share with others and why. Who knows, it might just lead to a more inclusive environment.
I'm not sure how to go about bringing this change that I'm calling for. I think it starts at the individual level. Be aware of how you react to what people say/do/post, and maybe even reflect on what you choose to share with others and why. Who knows, it might just lead to a more inclusive environment.
*There's miles to go, but in seeing the direction my friends are pushing for social change, I'm hopeful that these issues will one day be conquered.