It would seem to me that we are what we eat. The things that a human can consume or can go without is extraordinary.
Ever since I was very young, I wouldn’t get involved in conversation but analyze the person speaking and how they view the world. When my brothers would play I would sit under the table and listen to “grown folk conversation”. To be seen and not heard was a good policy in my book because I could get an insight on adults and what did life have to offer.
I remember my aunt complaining about how her insurance premium going up and without a co-pay. My grandmother would reflect on church how “Sister” Miller sat next to her in church and how the pastor moved them. These episodes are branded into my memory and when life presents itself, I have the knowledge to indulge or reject opportunities that can help or hurt me.
This goes to say that giving in to the social fads are not my thing. In the 90’s I was not into stonewash jeans and, later, baggy jeans. I never had a Mohawk, dreadlocks or the flashy “Bieber” hairstyle. I chose to stick to the general modern man look. It is very simple to stick to the modern man look. Here are the ingredients:
• Crisp, clean and groomed face
• No visible tattoos
• Low trimmed but timeless haircut
• Loose fitting sweats
• Fitted Jeans and slacks with room.
• Sneakers (Pedicure toes with sandals in the summer)
• Clean fragrances for the body
• Decent speaking English
• Etiquette
The ingredients of the modern man have no room for face piercings or tattoos on the neck. It has no tolerance for messy dreadlocks, Mohawks or any other ridiculous hair-dos.
It is unacceptable to present one self in a matter of taboo extremism and expect a fair shake. And what is up with men wearing non-prescription glasses? Are we trying to look smart but we lack the brain capacity and use props to substitute?
I was told that I judge because I am ignorant but I am not. If you are ignorant, you lack the knowledge on the subject of discussion. What I do not comprehend is this social pressure telling everyone we have to make a statement to stand out. WHY?
I believe that classics are timeless. If you watch any film from the 50’s to the present day, you will see that the shirt and tie are timeless. It is classic because no matter what happens in trends or historical events, they are around to prove that professionalism never dies.
There will never be a major CEO or President that looks like Lil’ Wayne or Jesse James. Never in congress will you see a Presidential candidate look anything but a Presidential candidate. I question my generation on whether they determine self-image for their peers or for themselves?
People who may feel artistic might view me as a hater. I get that a lot. I hear it on the radio and I advise everyone to look at me now as the poster child for haters around the globe. What is “hating” by the way?
“Hate” is a very strong and intense word. It means, ”to dislike intensely or passionately; feel extreme aversion for or extreme hostility toward” the subject. If I disagree with how people act or dress they assume I am “hating on them.”
I don’t hate anyone but I do hate the fact that they made poor choices of character, peers, fashion, self-images, decisions and views of cultures they do not understand. If you read this and you knew me then (or know me now) you should know that I stay true to my beliefs and that I put logic to most of my convictions.
I sleep relatively great every night. I only lose sleep when I am unemployed because, as a man, I have to obligation to take care of myself and, like my wife, those who depend on me. There is a reason for my great sleep.
I have a clear conscience when I go to bed every night. It is an experience most cannot share. Most of the decisions I made in life I am glad I made. The only regrets I have are a few relationships glitches, not working harder in high school to get into a four-year university and finish school. That’s about it.
People that I “hate” on have more issues and more clutter in the beds they make for themselves. I’m not surprised at their fashion decisions because of the skeletons in their closets or how did they manage it all with the monkeys on their back. And even though we are what we eat, the question is, will your conscience eat you until there is nothing left?
Food for thought, pun intended.
