I am smart. I am dumb.
I am a sinner. I am an angel.
I am a bitch. I am kind.
I am a prude. I am a slut.
I am shy. I am outspoken.
I am pretty. I am ugly.
I am a lover. I am a hater.
I am one thing.
I am another.
I have been called all these things at some point in my life.
They have made me smile or cry.
Sticks and stones may break my bones,
but names?
Well...
They don't have to define me.
And why is it that that stupid rhyme has taught children (myself and generations before and ahead of me) that names will never hurt you? I mean, I understand the general idea and big picture of it -- it's not to be taken literally obviously. But words/names can hurt...
Great image and clever creation. Yes, names hurt.. That's an extraordinarily long list of names to have been labeled with. All very deep and meaningful but quite at odds with the image. Why's that ??
@tonydebont hmm at odds with the image? Was trying to capture the extremes of one thing or another. But if what you're asking is why have I've been called things that are at odds with the other...? Well, it's because people are quick to judge and label. Usually the negative ones are by people who don't know me. Like, being called an obnoxious bitch by some random person on the subway because I'm trying to get on a crowded train. Or when I am called kind and caring by my clients or friends. It's interesting the faces we show, the glimpses people get of us from certain actions and then make names or designations for us in a matter of seconds...
@fauxtography365 Thanks for taking the time to put that list into context. You're quite right, uninformed opinions can lead to inappropriate labeling. I guess I don't think deeply enough to let it effect me too much. I tend to treat 'nice' labels the same, most times I feel I don't deserve them. Complex creatures aren't we ??
@tonydebont Indeed we are. And it's very easy too call someone -- even someone we know, love and hold in high regard -- a very derisive name. "Stop being an idiot!" "You're so dumb!" Even in jest, we use words like this so carelessly. Just as easily, we can freely compliment strangers. Strangers have called me "sweetheart" or "pretty lady" for no real reason. Little do they know! haha.
@fauxtography365 I think I can understand why strangers call you "sweetheart", "pretty lady" or just "gorgeous". If you aren't any of those, you hide the real you very well.
People just love to judge, I agree with your comments, sometimes the most casual throw away remark can have an almost indelible impact on the life of another. Very interesting and thoughtful post today Ms T. I like the sentiment behind this shot.
So, I'm thinking with this footwear, you can't walk a straight line and tend to walk in clockwise circles as the sneaker-clad left foot moves faster than the high-heeled right. Am I right?
@timerskine lol. Ever see "Best in Show" when Eugene Levy's character talks about being called Loopy. Your comment reminded me of that for some reason.
August 20th, 2013
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And why is it that that stupid rhyme has taught children (myself and generations before and ahead of me) that names will never hurt you? I mean, I understand the general idea and big picture of it -- it's not to be taken literally obviously. But words/names can hurt...