June 28 2008
I don't like it when people react in a way which we are conditioned to think is a slightly surprising and amusing reaction, the result of something slightly interesting and unusual, when in truth, it simply is not the case. This goes on all the time, everyday. I can't help but think that such reactions, such conditioned reactions, 'acceptable' reactions of shock or surprise, are symbolic of the slightly pathetic way in which people fear genuine difference and originality. Ironically, it is my very unwillingness to react in such a way that makes me look odd, unusual, and I suspect, threatening.
Thinking of actual examples is hard because it goes on all the time but I'll try.
The job interview is one that always comes to mind, because it is a situation that combine the meeting of new people and a tense situation. People generally revert to a strong state of this sheep-like mindless autopilot in such a situation. The majority of the tension I feel comes from the strain of being expected to act in such a way, rather than the actual interview or meeting of new people itself.
Take two interviewees passing comments in the waiting area: a very thin range of subjects are acceptable, reducing any potential conversion to an utter waste of time, other than an attempt to make oneself feel better, usually in the form of appearing to make the other person feel better.