I love listening to a certain morning show. They play good music and always seem to have a discussion that starts off fun and ends up being thought provoking, at least for me. Recently they were discussing the fact that currently 1/30 babies born recently were twins. It wasn’t that long ago that the number was 1/150. So, the thought was proposed, if the gap keeps shrinking, will there come a day when we all look alike?
Already, as seen in the work of Francois Brunelle (shown), there are people from different parts of the world who look remarkably alike. I am reminded of how many times I’ve been asked “did you go to *blank* school?”, “did you used to work at*blank*?”, “did you ever live in *blank*?” When I answer these questions in the negative, the response is, “wow, I know someone who looks JUST like you.”
This used to really bother me. I always thought that I was pretty unique looking – except for the similarity to my mother. How could there possibly be so many others out there who look like me? Then one day someone showed me a picture of the person they were referring to. Holy! She did look like me. Man, she was gorgeous.
Since then, I’ve seen other pictures of other dopplegangers. I guess essentially although there may be billions of ways to rearrange DNA, there only so many combinations. I’m sure all, or most, of us have had the experience of being told we look like someone else.
In my mind, it raised the question, what happens when we all look similar? How will the purpose of plastic surgery change? Right now people often use it to look more “perfect” or more like someone they admire. But if everyone looks alike, what will it be then? I can see people going in and asking for a different nose or chin so that they can look unique from those around them.
We have two conflicting desires in our human selves: to be accepted and to be different. These fight for dominance throughout our lives. Sometimes one or the other completely takes over. I’m sure you know people who have been so concerned about making sure everyone else is happy that they never stand up for themselves. On the other hand, you’ve probably known those who go out of their way to shock others or be noticed and may say on a regular basis “this is me, take it or leave it.”
The craving to be noticed is strong. And we want to be accepted for our uniqueness at the same time. It can be a little crazy making.
In the world of the future where everyone looks alike, I can see people striving to stand out in some way. Especially when things become homogenized to the
extreme, people will find ways to stand out.
Do you feel like you’re getting lost in the crowd? Do you feel like others don’t really understand you? Do you feel like you need to start standing up for yourself more and stop pandering to others? Do you want to make an impact in the world?
It’s those who are willing to be different that make the world more interesting and often a better place overall. Every innovator has been laughed at and eventually emulated and copied.
My niece had the privelege when she was in high school to have my sister, a very talented hair stylist, as her step mom. My niece is a very creative person (she just made her husband a Boba Fett touque with no pattern) and would always ask for unique hair styles. Then, shortly after she came to school with her new hair, other girls would show up with similar styles. It really annoyed her because her uniqueness was compromised. She had to be reminded that it was a great compliment.
Whatever makes you you is wonderful. Never let the small mindedness of others make you hide what is incredible about you. Who knows, you may be an inspriation to others!
If you need a little help discovering and expressing your unique beauty, maybe it’s time to become a Grand Puma.
Go forth, kitties and Be Beautiful, Be YOU!
Hugs, Christie