the internal you

 The popular opinion. From the most non descript persons, like myself, to the most well known celebrities , the most popular opinions are being expressed. The big differences being all a matter of opinion. Does having celebrity somehow make your opinion more valid than others? Is your personal popularity a measure of your intellect? The more popular you become, the smarter you get? Not having enjoyed any significant degree of popularity myself I don't have any reference point. I haven't even known anyone that was vastly popular or remotely famous in any way. I was never drawn to any of that. This moth never sought the flame.

  I do question those that align themselves with these celebrities when it comes to opinions. I wonder do they actually believe that or just feel that having a celebrity "endorsement" makes the product superior. Isn't that why we pay those people to endorse our products? And ironically we are all aware of that, they are being paid to say whatever, although a frequent ploy is to tell you that they would do it for free. We even passed legislation that requires the advertiser to state, this is a paid sponsor. In other words, they may or may not believe/endorse or use the product. They are simply paid to say whatever they say.

 I'm always just a bit suspicious of people who make their living pretending to be someone else. It's entertaining, no denying that, an entire industry dedicated to creating fantasy, a multi-billion dollar industry. But we shouldn't lose sight of a simple fact, it is make believe, not the real world at all. And those players, well, they are being paid for their roles, their ability to deceive you. For me, without a personal relationship with those individuals I just can't take them too seriously. Their opinion on products and politics leave me unimpressed. 

 I am aware and have to accept begrudgingly that they do set the popular opinion for the most part. Whatever ideas they endorse will be embraced by their fan base and used as "proof" positive. They are the people that chase popularity, that crave that status and recognition in some way. Those that need the spotlight, however briefly, to satisfy some inner craving. They follow fad and fashion to a great extent. Most of those folks will mature with time and curb that a bit. Others will continue that chase their whole lives. The objective always seems to be to attract as much attention to themselves as possible. They are the ones that join the crowds in protest or celebration. The point isn't the "action" it is in belonging to that popular crowd, even when the popular crowd isn't so popular. Riding the bandwagon is of utmost importance.

  I do hear a lot of talk about being your authentic self these days. The message is to just tell everyone your personal business. Your authentic self, is your private self. It is never a good idea to live your life in public! Doing so always opens it up to scrutiny, ridicule, criticism and debate. Take the current narrative of being "proud" of your sexual orientation. Being your authentic self in public. Just how is that being met? If you're meeting me, I will tell you exactly what I think about that, and you aren't going to like it. I will not offer that opinion unsolicited however, not in a public setting. I only share my authentic self with those I choose. It does take a while for me to open up to others regarding personal affairs, some things you just don't need to know. It's not deceit, it's common sense. 

  Being your authentic self means what? It means you will not conform to external expectations. You are willing to just say, no. It means you will sacrifice popularity for your truth. Yes, your truth is the truth! It is when you are genuine, authentically yourself and self aware. You can't change your truth like changing your socks, and expect others to take you seriously. When you are authentic no proof is required, no endorsement, no paid sponsors. When you find yourself searching for those things, rethink your truth. 

 The truth stands alone. And something I have noticed is, those that are truly authentic often stand alone. Sometimes they become heroes. Well, heroes in the traditional meaning of that word. Admired for their courage, integrity or personal values. People to emulate. Heroes were a rarity sixty years or more ago. They remained heroes for a simple reason, their personal lives weren't scrutinized. That's not true today were every aspect of a persons life is an open book. We are examining that "authentic" self. The result is always the same, a fall from that hero status. The authentic self is your private self, the internal you. I'm just saying it is never a good idea to put that on public display. Be careful with whom you share that person, only a few will accept that person, most are looking for an accomplice, not an equal partner. 

                                                                                  

                                                    Authenticity is a lonely business.