Taking advantage of our biggest disadvantage
The most naïve someone can be, is assuming another is naïve. And the smartest (and perhaps cruelest) one can be, is taking advantage of blindness. It only becomes cruel when done for the wrong cause. Of course all causes seem wrong at a time and place, but I believe as long as it is for the best in most perspectives it can be deemed as right.
I strongly believe anything can be a blessing or strength if perceived and dealt with as such. Death can be freedom and hope if seen as the only consistent element of life. Rejection could act as redirection if we choose to view it and act upon it as such. Among these paradoxes lies a fascinating, perhaps even revolutionary topic. A topic I often found myself complaining about until I decided to shift my point of view.
I must state that there is no correct point of view, not even morally. Even murder could be deemed correct if looked at differently; but we are human, we can choose. It is only rational to choose what benefits us and our values. We name these beliefs and views as "correct" when really it is simply for our own sake; in a way it can even be called selfish. Personally, I think seeking a moral high ground or reality in its actual meaning is a waste of time; it is absolutely alright to ponder about its depth, but only to discover new lengths and dive deeper, not to reach the bottom. This personal view I hold is also just a selfish one, it may not be correct but it benefits us personally and at large, society. That is merely why I believe in it.
Back to topic I saw as a curse until recently. As an aspiring teenager, there has been many instances where people have underestimated me, either consciously or not. Many adults subconsciously judge based on age, we all do to an extent. Older age is associated with wisdom and experience, younger age with naivety and inexperience. Older age is associated with pessimism and obstinance, younger age with optimism and openness. While these traits remain generally true and have their own respective influence, it must not define value and one's ability to create value. Yes, a 15 year old girl might not have the same life experience as much as a 50 year old woman, but that does not mean she is not capable of creating just as much value. For example, I may not have as much experience as my father but I am certain I can write better than him (respectfully). I wrote all this to say questioning one's experience and age must not be continued with questioning one's ability directly. I do not deny that experience plays a role in activity, it does; just not in its value.
As teenagers or better said young dreamers, we often feel offended and frustrated that our word or action are not considered valid especially when it comes to serious matters. Greta Thunberg did so much for climate change and tried to save the planet, more than almost all adults ever have, and yet she still faced mockery. People not only made fun of her passion but also devalued her work. If you are a young dreamer with a passionate heart and goal, you have probably dealt with this form of reaction to an extent. You might have stated a strong opinion in your class, written a piece defending your belief, or maybe you created an art work of any form and poured your heart into it; excited, you showcase your ability to those around you and you are met with what? Meh. No big deal. Whatever. Cool.
Even if your teacher applauds you for your statement, your peers admire your literary piece, and your family name you a descendant of Van Gough, something always feels off. People either express their disinterest openly or cover it with support. Very few adults would genuinely believe in you or be interested. Others might say "Good job!" or "You're talented", but do they really care? Probably not. If I stood up and said I want to change the world, who would take me seriously. NO ONE. I used to think that lack of support in these areas is awful. But as I mentioned, we can always change our perspective.
Think about this: all revolutionaries were once called crazy, mocked, and devalued. Rosa Parks was a black woman with the same restrictions of the other black people on that bus. She faced discrimination and she wasn't "Rosa Parks" when she stood up and said no. Neither were Malala Yousefzai, Martin Luther King, Gandhi, or any other big name in history. They were all dreamers once whose words were walked away from. Van Gough never had praise or publicity, think about that. One of the greatest artists of all time never had publicity. No one cared about him. Did he stop creating? No. He wasn't doing it because of a title or compliment. He did it out of love and his own value. Rosa Parks probably didn't think she was rewriting history when she resisted. Impact is not defined with perception and more importantly it can only be created through value creation, in your own perspective.
Hitler was creating value in his own perspective and he left his impact. (Not trying to say I support Hitler, just trying to prove that impact is not defined with perception.)
Consider this: whatever you say, it won't matter, not for a long time. That's a bit harsh Via why would you say that? Oh it's a good thing! No one will take you seriously, so there's no consequence. I am living in Iran, somewhere criticism of the government does not go nicely, and yet I do it in school, no consequence, cause I'm a nobody. That's what they think.
They, adults and those with power, usually think of young dreamers as insignificant. We are not taken seriously, and that is a blessing in disguise. You can state your beliefs and create value, no one will take it seriously. You will always be walked away from, some may be wowed but they won't assume you're the next Martin Luther King; and that is where you can take advantage of your situation. Don't give up, keep going! It's normal to be ignored, all great names were and there is no reason you can't be the next.
As Van Gough said, "What is done with love is done well"
Written with love ~ Via
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