To some people, they’d heartily disagree. For others, they’ll throw up a bit in their mouths, and for others still…
THIS
IS
HERESY
Yet if the school of life has taught me anything, it’s that it’s always best to enjoy what you like and leave naysayers to their own devices. In other words, #YouDoYou.
For the longest time, I’ve always focused on what I enjoy, what makes me happy, and the things that motivate me. It’s been years since I was dismissive of someone’s taste in literature, videogames, movies, food, and music, and I always do my absolute best to recognize that MY opinion is subjective and need not apply to anyone else and that this goes both ways. In fact, I always invite people to try things for themselves and not be dissuaded by one opinion, even if it's mine.
Case in point, The Fountain movie. Directed by Darren Aronofsky, and starring Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz, this movie is amazing for me, yet critics didn’t care much for it. Led Zeppelin 3 is a polarizing album in their discography, and while some people think it’s a misfire, it is my favorite Zeppelin album. Some people love a frequented Mexican restaurant back in Puerto Rico, but for me, it’s Frida’s and every single other Mexican restaurant is fighting for second place and they should teach how to make those margaritas. Some people hate root beer, sarsaparilla, and other weird sodas, yet I love them. White chocolate is despised and written off as basically sugar and cocoa fat, but I love it. Uni nigiri sushi (sea urchin) makes some people nauseous, while few bites of food can match its ability to transport me to another world. Seriously, it’s the closest you’ll see me to have a cartoon reaction in real life.
In short, I like what I like and can agree to disagree…and mean it. I didn’t enjoy Twilight the movie or would even consider reading 50 Shades of Gray, but am thankful they exist because BOTH series have gotten people into reading again. I am not a huge fan of Top 40 music, but for some reason, I enjoy Post Malone (just don’t play his cover of Hootie and the Blowfish’s hit, Only wanna be with you, unless it’s for a young’un). I can’t say I’ve listened to Celine Dion albums, but I recognize world class talent when it’s apparent and would happily see her live. In short, I’m not closed to most experiences without giving them a try if I’m intrigued or interested.
When it comes to food, I don’t like pig’s feet, or organ based dishes like mondongo, gandinga, cuajito, or haggis (haggis being the only one I haven’t tried). But if something looks appetizing and interesting, I’ll at least give it a go. I’m not a fan of country music, yet there are some country songs I do enjoy (more than likely it’ll be a slow one). I’m not a huge fan of romance novels, but I’ve read one or two that I did enjoy and if highly recommended, would give another a chance.
But let’s take it a step further.
I’m not a fan of Kanye West, the man. Beyond mental instability, I think he’s pompous, self-aggrandizing, has a messianic complex, and in general is a tool, but to have an opinion, I listened to his entire discography. Verdict? For 75% of his work, not my cuppa tea, and honestly? Unimpressed. I can point you to at least 5 other artists whom I think make better music, have more talent, and have had a more profound impact on music (Kendrik Lamar, Run the Jewels, Public Enemy, Wu-Tang, and the underappreciated Lords of the Underground off the top of my head). I can also double down on my opinion that part of his success is his attitude. Sure, I may loathe it, but other people gobble it up, and hey, that’s OK. To each their own and once again, say it with me…
#YouDoYou.
When it comes to books, any highbrow behavior is not to my liking and elitist sentiments are a sure fire way of getting on my bad side. On a base level, Bill Maher rubs me the wrong way and has for a long time, especially because he can so often be so pompous. When Stan Lee passed away, he belittled the impact of Lee and even went so far as to criticize people who read comics as dumber than people who read books without pictures. Needless to say, he can go shove it, whatever it is. He’s tripled down on this opinion and well, I can triple down on my opinion that he’s an asshole and could easily find ample evidence to support this…but instead, I focus on other things and spend my time and energy elsewhere, because I’ve already spent too many words and calories on giving him any sort of thought. That’s his opinion and fortunately, he’s entitled to it, even if he thinks his opinion supersedes most anyone else’s. Once again, let’s say it again…
#YouDoYou
Another angle to this topic is when people change their opinions in the face of others, to be part of the group, or dare we say it, be part of the cool kids. If there is any behavior I wish upon a star EVERYONE grows out of, it’s this, because it just magnifies insecurities. For me, it’s pretty simple, if acceptance by others depends on my position in regards to something, then that’s not the crowd for me…or you. You deserve better. You deserve to like what you like and be accepted regardless because life is too short to not enjoy yourself just for appearances’ sake. So say it one more time with me, with feeling, with kindness, with generosity, with understanding, and with acceptance.
#YouDoYou
Peace, love, and maki rolls
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