Snapface, Instachat, the Blue Bird. Just because every picture tells a story doesn’t mean it’s a story anyone cares about. When did we as a society place the value of (visual) content over character? When did we so completely start judging others AND ourselves based on the slant of our noses and circumference of our thighs as opposed to the quality of our character and out attitude toward others. In short, today, someone can be a complete, total and narcissistic bitch but if her Instagram posts are stellar its all good?
I saw a news story – again this is considered news- about a self-obsessed couple that travels around the world taking “instaworthy” photos while scamming corporations into supporting them. For the uneducated, these people are called Influencers. What do they influence I ask you? They influence the pre-teen girls that are unhappy with their figures – and I don’t mean their math scores. They influence the college kids majoring in basketweaving and beer into thinking they can live independently by taking selfies at the gym. The message is look at me- I’m perfect! Disclaimer alert – Photoshop Ahead!
It is actually considered newsworthy when a “celebrity” posts an unedited photo. In other words it is “brave” and “revolutionary” to just be yourself. Seriously? If that standard held true for us regular people, my circle of friends would be the most famous people on the planet – in all of our makeup free, pony-tailed, pajama clad ( all while driving the kids to school) glory.
Wouldn’t it be great to go back to a time where a photo, no matter how awkward, (Why does Uncle Bob look like he’s feeling up the neighbor lady?) or embarrassing (Michelle, I love this photo of you at Thanksgiving eating with your mouth open!) is the reality? Those frozen moments in time are part of our true histories – thick thighs and all. Those unfiltered and ugly moments are the ones that build the lifetime of memories. The story of “the slap heard round the world” that the neighbor lady landed on Uncle Bob may have been forgotten without the photo evidence. Those images of a much younger grandma knocking back a G&T while ironing are golden. What about those sepia toned gems of your dad’s second cousin that would put today’s male models to shame? We don’t remember his name but we remember those abs!
I propose we all try to spend a day looking at the world with our own eyes instead of filtering the world through the cyclops of our camera phone. Get out and see things without the mental static that comes from social media. Go into the great big world and just try to remember things – using your brain not with your electronic device. If you’re really feeling “brave” maybe even talk to someone new. Imagine that. I can guarantee you the real human connection doesn’t require a photo filter.
Chapstick in the Dryer 