Thirty. Three. (English Essay)

American society is an image-conscious society. It’s why more and more schools are adopting uniform policies. It’s why, in suburban neighborhoods, homes more or less look exactly the same. Image seems to be connected to the ideal of success, but it seems the most successful people stand out more than anybody else. At some point in the social food chain, success is not defined by what is similar, but by what is different. Thus, if the successful are often strange, then does that mean being strange is a way of becoming successful?

We’re all raised believing that in order to succeed, we must conform with society’s standards. This in turn leads us to dress similarly, talk similarly, even think similarly. Yet around the time we enter high school and prepare for college, being the same is no longer enough. Fitting within the perfect picture is what everybody is trying to do, and so colleges search for something that is new, fresh or different. I believe this is where the true obsession to stand out is born, and the need to be different becomes directly related to success.

Think about it. This is what’s fed to us. The media zeroes in on the dramatic, the extravagant, the insane. It’s for this reason that we take interest in Angelina Jolie, whose huge family and pilgrimages to Third World countries have made her known as a major humanitarian. Or Michael Jackson, who’s unmatched dancing ability and eye-catching style of dress all pertain to his image as the King of Pop. Or Lady Gaga, who is quickly building her own untouchable image from her strange and, at times, disturbing costumes and performances. Yet when we look at each of these celebrities, it’s with a sense of wonder, and possibly envy, simply because to us, they embody success. And they have attained that success through the unusual choices, unique talents, and unorthodox fashions that they have made all their own.

Thus society has gradually been tilting towards being different, attempting to trailblaze a path that we believe will undoubtedly lead us toward the achievement of our goals. I know many people who live flamboyantly believing that the louder you scream, the more attention you will you gain. Or others who adopt strange and weird beliefs; thinking that sooner or later, the world will recognize their stroke of genius. Sure, such eccentricities all function with varying intensities, but the intent remains the same. What is the image I must present to society so that I can obtain my piece of success?

In truth, much of this behavior is tolerated, and if not, draws so much attention that it is given the fuel necessary to be perpetuated. It’s only in the eyes of true horror, pain, or disgust that such strange or unique behavior is stifled, and ultimately, extinguished. Otherwise, we are drawn to it, much like a moth to a flame. And the idea of success and celebrity acts as that flame, undeniably alluring in some eyes, and harshly repulsive in others.

Does strangeness equate to success? For some, that answer is yes. But for many, the reality is no. The formula that gives such “eccentric poses” a chance to thrive can be changed ever so slightly, turning the unique into flat out weird. And that is, perhaps, the biggest peculiarity of all.