Monday, July 03, 2006

Unsafe New York Part Two A: The boundaries, the well wishers and us

This is an exposition on well-wishers.
The world is teaming with well wishers. Those who think we need to learn to eat better, those who think we need to be more social, those who think we need to dress differently. Oftentimes the problem is that one group with a world view 180 or more degrees different from you tries to advise - but intead they cripple. The worst is when uneducated about other points of view or unable to tell who you are and where you belong people try to advise. And they do it hard, not unlike the vendors from the stores trying to get you engaged in the conversation - they feel like they have a divine right to change you. They are the self appointed, modern day version of religious fanatics. The modern day school of good taste. If.
You REALLY SHOULD DO THIS. NO, REALLY, YOU REALLY SHOULD HAVE CONVERTED INTO THAT CATHOLICISM, said he on the night of St. Bartholomeus...
To demonstrate, here is one example.
Your friends in the restaurant, take it upon themselves, as a Holy Crusade, to "socialize" you. Nobody asks you if you want to be socialized, nobody sees that you may be an introvert, interested in coming to the restaurant to eat, drink and retire. You internal state of mind maybe FUNDAMENTAL not only to your well being, but to the work you do: writting, painting, contemplating. But here they are, having decided that you need some TLC, and already a cute waiter is blushing to your table, accompanied by unsubtle giggling somewhere near. Sometimes it is more subtle, there are no giggles but only exchanged glances, smirks, a heavy atmosphere Sometimes it is trying to engage in a conversation while all you really want is to order some food off the menu. You statter, you stumble, you change colors, you don't know where to place yourself, and they are standing there, starring at you point blank, smilling friendly, drawing these words out of you like a dentist in the times past - teeth. But why, I want to ask them? Why are you pulling my teeth if I have no tooth ache to begin with? All my teeth are healthy, and please don't admisnister this volunteered help! I am a big person now, and can take care of myself.
At the end, the meal is ruined, the waiter is bland, and you have learned to mistrust your friends. The night is filled with longing that was not there, and your work, to which you have dedicated yourself now stands, and nothing will go.