Original
As children we are taught to treat everyone equally and that we are all unique and should express our individuality. But children, teens, and even adults are scrutinized when they appear to be “different” from the group whether it is different in terms of our style, interests, or even ideas. We live in a world of contradictions because people only want to do things that benefit themselves and if they do not benefit from it, then apparently there is a problem. For example, a man, Steve, stands by the doorway of the subway train and it does not bother him that he stands close to the entry way. But if another man stands in the same doorway as Steve did, then Steve would be upset that someone is blocking him from going into the subway cart. Apparently, it is alright if we are the ones winning. Acts such as the one described simply diminishes our sense of community. Actions like such are only teaching people that pretending to be someone you are not, being hypocritical, is how to live. Why should people hide their true selves and identity when “every snowflake is unique”? Each snowflake makes up one big snow storm, but it is the individual that gives the storm its overall beauty.
The man in the picture calls himself Skullet. He is the only person I asked about what word he would use to describe himself, which he later informs me is “original.” His appearance shows both forms of body modification: tattoos and piercings. Now that I think back I wish I could have asked him what makes him original. Was it his tattoos or gauges or dreads? What are his reasons walking through the street being homeless? What made him end up to this point in his life? My initial reaction was of satisfaction that he thought highly of himself, but afterwards it made me question how many other people in the world saw themselves as original.
My theory behind him settling in St. Marks on April first is the fact that he would easily fit in with people who are attracted to the area. Also, many people come to St. Marks and he would easily make a couple of bucks (Yes, I gave him some money since he helped me with my research). A lot of hipster homeless people are found in this strip of land. What is the definition of hipster, you may ask? The term simply means laid back people who appear to not care what others view them as, and a certain style comes with the hipster name (away from the mainstream).
I love when people have gauges because they are so fascinating to look at, and the size varies. Tattoos to me are artwork people choose to advertise on their body. The artwork should be appreciated, and thoughtful. Although, in the article “Anchoring the (Postmodern) Self? Body Modification, Fashion and Identity” “tattooees” (participants with tattoos) are asked of the significance of their tattoos stating it looked nice or fashionable at the time. If tattoos lose significance amongst some people, then did Skullet, too decide to get a tattoo because it appears pleasing or because it has significance to him?
The man in the picture calls himself Skullet. He is the only person I asked about what word he would use to describe himself, which he later informs me is “original.” His appearance shows both forms of body modification: tattoos and piercings. Now that I think back I wish I could have asked him what makes him original. Was it his tattoos or gauges or dreads? What are his reasons walking through the street being homeless? What made him end up to this point in his life? My initial reaction was of satisfaction that he thought highly of himself, but afterwards it made me question how many other people in the world saw themselves as original.
My theory behind him settling in St. Marks on April first is the fact that he would easily fit in with people who are attracted to the area. Also, many people come to St. Marks and he would easily make a couple of bucks (Yes, I gave him some money since he helped me with my research). A lot of hipster homeless people are found in this strip of land. What is the definition of hipster, you may ask? The term simply means laid back people who appear to not care what others view them as, and a certain style comes with the hipster name (away from the mainstream).
I love when people have gauges because they are so fascinating to look at, and the size varies. Tattoos to me are artwork people choose to advertise on their body. The artwork should be appreciated, and thoughtful. Although, in the article “Anchoring the (Postmodern) Self? Body Modification, Fashion and Identity” “tattooees” (participants with tattoos) are asked of the significance of their tattoos stating it looked nice or fashionable at the time. If tattoos lose significance amongst some people, then did Skullet, too decide to get a tattoo because it appears pleasing or because it has significance to him?
The Three Stooges
The three men were sitting on the stairs leading up to the thrift shop called Search & Destroy. Two of the men are white complexion and the other brown complexion. The man in the middle has a spider tattoo on his face. What made him decide to have a tattoo on his face, the first place someone looks at you? Is his tattoo conveying a message of how our appearance is less important than who we are? He is definitely pushing the norm of what clothes mainstream people wear which is name brand clothes. Most jobs do not hire people with visible tattoos or big gauges. Does he have a job? Where can he work (if he currently does not have a job)? Who made the rules of what is or is not professional? Will the rules of the working industry change overtime?
Their attire goes against the mainstream norm. Who creates the norm? What is normal? Every individual have his or her own definition of normal. What makes everyone’s definition different from another person’s? Well, each person has his own personal experiences that shift how they think, and how they view the world. Were the men in the photo above always dressed the way they do now or was there a moment in their life that they realize they should dress the way they felt comfortable in. Do people treat them differently due to their style?
Growing up I did not act as a typical girl. Yes I had a lot of Barbies and played with them; however, whenever the girls went off to dance in after school I went off to play sports with the guys. At first, the guys would treat me like I could not play sports just as well as they can or even better. I had to prove myself to them. Like the men in "the Three Stooges" photo above they may sometimes be discriminated because of their style especially the one man with the tattoo on his face. Do they ever have to push people into seeing past their appearance and see their intellect? Should people have to prove themselves when they are discriminated against?
Their attire goes against the mainstream norm. Who creates the norm? What is normal? Every individual have his or her own definition of normal. What makes everyone’s definition different from another person’s? Well, each person has his own personal experiences that shift how they think, and how they view the world. Were the men in the photo above always dressed the way they do now or was there a moment in their life that they realize they should dress the way they felt comfortable in. Do people treat them differently due to their style?
Growing up I did not act as a typical girl. Yes I had a lot of Barbies and played with them; however, whenever the girls went off to dance in after school I went off to play sports with the guys. At first, the guys would treat me like I could not play sports just as well as they can or even better. I had to prove myself to them. Like the men in "the Three Stooges" photo above they may sometimes be discriminated because of their style especially the one man with the tattoo on his face. Do they ever have to push people into seeing past their appearance and see their intellect? Should people have to prove themselves when they are discriminated against?
Rocker Mom
The woman in the picture above defies the norms of a mother. Advertisements of women show them young, beautiful, sexy, and perfect. When the women in advertisements are older they are portrayed as beautiful, conservative, and covered up (no longer sexy). None of the models have visible tattoos shown in the advertisements. The pregnant woman has a sleeve of tattoos which goes against the idea of the norm of being conservative. What is the definition of conservative? Can someone with tattoos be conservative?
I am very family orientated. My family members and my friends are all different from one another, but I do not go around out-casting anyone. I empathize what others may feel like if I did choose to outcast people, and it makes me feel terrible (if I did treat someone poorly). I see the world differently than others do because of not wanting people to judge me before meeting me. If I do not want people to prejudge me, then why would I judge them in return?