American Values:
Get all you can.
Can all you get.
Then sit on your can.
– J.D. Greer
American Values:
Get all you can.
Can all you get.
Then sit on your can.
– J.D. Greer
How do you define “cool”? Webster’s Dictionary defines it as, “fashionably attractive or impressive.” But that seems rather relative, don’t you think? I mean who defines what’s fashionably attractive or impressive? And what is our culture’s obsession with wanting to be “cool”?
As if the “cool” concept wasn’t already complicated enough, now, thanks to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the like, we are watching what is “cool” unfold, transform, and solidify right before our very eyes. Everyday images on our computers and iPhones are infiltrating our minds and heavily influencing, even manipulating, our thoughts. We see pictures of celebrities rocking an eclectic haircut then we go out and get it because we think it’s cool. We see our friends rocking a particular fashion style, everybody is doing it, and so it must be cool! Without a doubt, social networking sites have screwed up our already skewed definition of “cool”. So, using these same social networking sites, I’ve set out to inform the public of 5 things we think are “cool”, that really aren’t at all.
Which brings us full circle. The point is we should never assume a person is “cool” just because he/she is a celebrity, has money, goes to exclusive parties, is famous, or popular, or any other reason for that matter. Especially when we only know that person via social media (i.e. We haven’t seen them in many years, or worse, we’ve never met them at all).
Only you know what matters and what doesn’t in your character preferences. So you are the only one who can define what “cool” means to you. No one and nothing else can do that for you. In the same way, we must each individually define who is cool, through the only means possible, by getting to know the person…which you cant do on social media, might I add.
And while I’m at it, the number of “likes” you have, has nothing to do with how “cool” you are either. But that’s another article for another day.
So don’t let social media screw with your head. Remove your blinders and always remember that you are an individual, and for that, you are cool.
Consider what metaphors we use to describe love and relationships.
We value people. We invest in relationships. People are priceless. A relationship can be bankrupt.
All economic metaphors.
I believe our problem is clear. We think of love as a commodity, using it for trade like money.
If someone is doing something for us, offering us time, gifts, social status, ect., we feel that they are valuable. With love, we withhold affirmation from those who don’t agree with us and lavishly finance those who do.
But love is not a commodity. And it doesn’t work like the economy. When you trade with love, everybody loses.
Don’t send me money
Don’t send me flowers
‘Cause I don’t want nothin’,
If you ain’t got time.
I’d rather be
Alone for hours,
Than lonely with the one
That I call mine.