Prologue - Part 2
As an existentialist, I believe in the freedom to select a lifestyle outside social and cultural assumptions, rules and conformity.
Although I’m familiar with the philosophical workings of Friedrich Nietzsche and Jean-Paul Sartre, ranging from nihilism, morality, and humanism, I’m receptive to thoughtful analysis contextualized by “street” thinkers, who provide modern-day human context to the incongruities of social groupthink.
As it happens, one of the most insightful and intuitive observations I’ve ever come across about social distinctiveness came from a most unexpected source. None other than the late George Carlin, the brilliant comedian, social critic, and contemporary truth seeker, when he offered this unique and underlying principle of individualism.
People are wonderful. I love individuals. I hate groups of people. I hate groups of people with a ‘common purpose.’ Cause pretty soon they have little hats and armbands. And fight songs. And a list of people they’re going to visit at 3:00 a.m. So, I dislike and despise groups of people but I love individuals. Every person that you look at, you can see the universe in their eyes if you’re really looking, so cumulatively, you feel as if you’re in a family.
Priceless. I concur, wholeheartedly. We have a choice, individuality or groups; cultural chasms or self-awareness. Do we follow the herd or do we interact with others independently, openly and honestly?
So where does that leave those of us seeking impartiality if we’re powerless to affect a diversity of thought through traditional groups, socioeconomic and political channels? I contend that we have to come to terms with the futility and failings of a cultural groupthink and look inward for answers. We must look to ourselves for solutions.
Cultural self-awareness and self-sufficiency is a mindset, more potent than any assemblage, faction or group. We, as individuals, have the power to mold our personalities and self-interests by how we choose to see ourselves in the world.
We have the power to escape the trappings of traditions and customs to become not “one or the other” but whole.
As free-thinking individuals, we must unshackle ourselves from color and different racial and ethnic distinctions, from tribal and religious dogma, and if need be, from familial constraints and self-loathing.
We must free ourselves from cultural artifice; from artificial tenets and definitions of work, play, politics, friendships, even adversarial relationships.
Frustrated in not finding a remotely authentic depiction about my mixed-race and multicultural American experience, I decided to write a memoir of my own.
If for no other reason than to provide context and value to self-discovery and the social paradigms we share, but fail to recognize in ourselves and one another.
I intend to affirm and provoke, to open your eyes to a world seen through an independent and different colored lens.
Consider our meeting a handshake between friends. Relax in a comfortable chair, have a glass of wine and peruse.
Don’t be shy. I won’t bite.
Well, maybe a little.
End of Prologue, Part 2
Next essay: Pocho – Going Rogue
“For as long as I can remember, identity by choice or force has wrought conflict and contradictions.”
Book Intro Post: https://steemit.com/@escapingculture : “Escaping Culture” – Essays on love, life, death, humor, sacrifice, accomplishment, and redemption.
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