Chasing the Cool

"Why is it so uncool to smile? Since when did it become hip-hops taboo...
Somewhere along this road we made rules, smiling became the weakness of a fool, silence and anger became the norm, and that's when the party began to lose form. I reminisce upon the glory that's gone- when happiness wasn't looked down upon." -INQ

I'm sure I'm not the first to notice that in attempt to rebel against conformity and "stand out", everyone's began to look alike. I'm not perfect, there are certain trends that I've been brainwashed into following myself. Personally, I think my butt looks good in straight legs. Sue me :)

Whatever the case, it's been blatantly obvious that everyone's "chasing the cool" (as Lupe puts it), but it is now evident to the point of aggravation. For what? Who has defined what makes a person cool, socially acceptable, superior to someone else, or any other term that makes a person worthy of the "in crowd"? People spend so much time trying to fit in and earn popularity for material reasons that they lose their depth. Their surface appeal is composed strictly of glitter and any other objects that shine, making them more noticeable. No digging is needed because they wouldn't dare want you to get your hands dirty in an act as trivial as digging.

&& it's kind of pathetic.
&& i'm kind of sick of it all.

Those same people you spend so much time trying to impress are the same people who will make a mockery of you. Yet, you so willingly become the court jester- wearing a mask, disguising your true self, all for the sake of a few laughs and plastered smiles. Is it really worth it? Do you really feel the need to change who you are in order to be accepted? Are you that insecure? Unhappy with yourself? Are you, in your truest form, not enough?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, it might be time to re-evaluate those you find worthy of keeping your company. Being the black sheep in the bunch was what once made you beautiful. Now it's not hard to find you wearing whatever outfit your last saw on your favorite music video, claiming a religion whose God you don't understand, quoting lyrics with words you can hardly pronounce, bragging about your ill-gotten gains, falling victim to the peer pressure you've let your "friends" place upon you.

Check your ingredients, before you overdose on "the cool".

Contentment is key,
B