06-01-2007, 02:44 PM
I think it's important to recognise the distinction between our "quirks", our "strengths" and or "failings". Obviously we should capitalise on our strengths, these are the blessings we have which offset the failings we have. We should strive to overcome our weaknesses, or deal with them as best we can - this might include striving to be more 'normal'. When it comes to our 'quirks' (the things which make us 'different' without being better or worse), the question is valid.
I grew up being considered by myself and the rest of the world to be "weird" (I'm sure others can relate to me in this respect!). As I grew up I learned to embrace and enjoy that (it was better that than get upset and/or hate myself for it!). In some cases I certainly do strive to appear normal because sadly this is not an ideal world and there are times when a weirdo will not be accepted. Sometimes you'll want to stick to your guns and be happy that people will dislike you for being simply 'different', but there are other times when it really is in your best interests to 'fit in'. Fitting in might be appropriate in a job interview - get the job, become respected for doing it well, then let loose with your eccentricities and they'll be embraced and appreciated; you can educate people if you are successful, but if you are a weirdo and a loser, you're not going to get far educating many neurotypicals. Another example might be in dealing with an authority figure - a school teacher or policeman; in these cases acting weird may get you into trouble, it might even seem incriminating (imagine a police officer suspecting you of doing something wrong - here acting weird may be normal to you, but the policeman is going to think "Wow, this person is acting strangely! Clearly they're guilty of something").
I am well known by thousands of people as being very much weird/eccentric, in few situations do I try to hide my 'non bad abnormalities. (Yes, thousands, I have a reasonably high profile in some circles).
I grew up being considered by myself and the rest of the world to be "weird" (I'm sure others can relate to me in this respect!). As I grew up I learned to embrace and enjoy that (it was better that than get upset and/or hate myself for it!). In some cases I certainly do strive to appear normal because sadly this is not an ideal world and there are times when a weirdo will not be accepted. Sometimes you'll want to stick to your guns and be happy that people will dislike you for being simply 'different', but there are other times when it really is in your best interests to 'fit in'. Fitting in might be appropriate in a job interview - get the job, become respected for doing it well, then let loose with your eccentricities and they'll be embraced and appreciated; you can educate people if you are successful, but if you are a weirdo and a loser, you're not going to get far educating many neurotypicals. Another example might be in dealing with an authority figure - a school teacher or policeman; in these cases acting weird may get you into trouble, it might even seem incriminating (imagine a police officer suspecting you of doing something wrong - here acting weird may be normal to you, but the policeman is going to think "Wow, this person is acting strangely! Clearly they're guilty of something").
I am well known by thousands of people as being very much weird/eccentric, in few situations do I try to hide my 'non bad abnormalities. (Yes, thousands, I have a reasonably high profile in some circles).
