Cynics believe that selfishness is the major motivation in human decision making and actions. In the eyes of a cynic, someone who is charitable and offering money has some underlying evil schemes. Cynics are generally disliked by the world because of their pessimistic views of the way the world runs. And they also prefer the word realist over being branded cynical.
The ignorant are people who are seemingly unaware or uneducated about the real problems or issues in life. However, some of these people are aware, but choose to leave the problems unacknowledged. For example, the existence of capitalism in first world countries unquestionably exists to some extent. Modern slavery in the workforce benefits the already rich corporate executives who underpay and undermine their employees with monotonous tasks. Object? Well you can fuck off from your desk, withered replaceable employee.
As opposed to slavery and cheap labor in third world countries, where these unfortunate people are aware of their miserable working conditions but sadly have no choice but to continue in order to live. Object? Well you won’t get what we call "your wage” and will die. People working under first-world working conditions know what is going on but have the choice of leaving. It’s just that they think it’s expected of them or society will frown at them menacingly.
I chose cynicism from a very young age. So at the age of 22 my cynicism has probably matured to that of a bitter octogenarian. Unfortunately, this kinda made growing up difficult. Almost everything people had an interest to, I thought was shit. And it annoyed me even more that these people didn’t realize that it is actually SHIT. I’m not saying everyone should have the same interests and views as me, but seriously… JUSTIN BEIBER!? C’mon, do you people honestly like that tripe?
The major disadvantage of being cynical is realizing that almost everything depresses you. You reach a point where you glance at someone and you automatically hate them. “Christian Audigier ruined Ed Hardy and you’re wearing the shirt, so fuck you.”
But I don’t know if I’m being cynical or actually seeing things without rose-colored glasses. Am I the only one who sees the plethora of greed, selfishness and insensitivity? And when did people not give a shit about others?
At the time of writing this, I have been told that I am punching below my weight. Which is a complete eye-opener and is probably true. The jobs, most of my friends, boyfriends and choices in life have been bellow my capabilities. My boyfriends have been selfish and insensitive douches. My old best friend only contacts me when it is suitable for her, and I have almost always been treated shitty at work. Almost every person I’ve met in the city has severely let me down, but going back to my hometown would be a big step backwards to a place of economic and social inferiority.
I have heard numerous times the phrase “things will get better”. WHEN? I understand there is the 50% Rule: The average person lives to the age of 75, so if you’re less than 38 (I am 22) and have more than half your life left then chances are there are better things ahead. I beg to fucking differ. You’re at your prime when you’re young, and if you’ve grown up and become accustomed to a shitty life, I think the chances are they will get shittier.
Christina Pavlo
Saturday 3rd December 2011
Chris Tankey
This is very well written. It’s a rare moment when I come across something on the internet that I can actually relate to.
I’ll tell you now, it’s not cynical to notice shit for shit – you are certainly seeing things without rose-coloured glasses. The whole Justin Bieber fiasco is just the latest example of mass marketing. Someone high up flips a coin and decides what the next big fad will be. People think they like Justin Bieber because his music intentionally adheres to a certain set of unspoken rules which determine what is successful and what isn’t. These people don’t stop and think to themselves, “why do I think this is good?”. They feel happy and safe in the majority, so they dance along because they’re told that that’s what’s popular (or because they have incredibly low standards). But it’s not just Justin Bieber, take Dub-step for example. Here’s a fad that’s popped up very recently, and suddenly every DJ in the world is throwing their hat in the ring because apparently, this speaks to “their” style. But it’s not like every clubber and DJ in the world suddenly stopped one day and said “I think I like dub-step now”, like the expiration date of their former fad had just passed, and dub-step was next in que. That doesn’t happen. Someone very cleverly marketed this new sound successfully enough to make people believe they like it.
Why do people like you and I see these things, when others don’t? Simple – depression. I’m not going to blame everything that I do on the illness, but depression eats away at the rose colouring on your glasses, and lets you see everything clearly.
I’m a screenwriting student, but because my world doesn’t solely consist of sunshine and tap dancing rainbows, almost every show on TV, every new film, every script is tainted and smeared with metaphorical shit before I even give them a second glance. I think it’s because I see all the special effects, all the planned melodrama, all the moments that make people gasp, and all I see is shit. I’m completely withdrawn. Modern Family, Glee, Justin Bieber, Big Bang Theory, why should I give a fuck?! It’s not funny, it’s piggybacking on the success of other people’s music and fooling people to think it should somehow share that success, he’s a mildly talented singer shitting out soul-less, one-dimensional music, it’s not funny either.
BUT, in saying all that, there are still things in this world that are worth paying attention to. Some movies don’t get the biggest audience, but they have the biggest heart. Some musicians fly underground, dwarfed by the success of others far less talented, but they release mind blowing music. And even here, on some random site I’ve never heard of before, I come across a post I really like. And by the way, your artwork is really unique. I’m not an artist, I’m a musician, but I really like your work – especially the happiness in a can. I chuckled to that.
One thing though, from one struggling human to another, if life is shit, don’t try and push through thinking it will let up soon, change it so it’s a little less shit, and then change it again later so it’s even more-so a little less shit, until you have the happiness you always wanted. I’m not there yet, but I want to be.
Chris.
Also, a little presumptuous, but based on this post and your artwork, I have some music I think you’d really like – my kind of art. This is a benefit of being cynical, you filter through the shit and find the gems – not that there should ever be gems in your shit.. ouch.
Elliott Smith – Between The Bars
Sparklehorse – It’s A Wonderful Life
Nick Drake – Black Eyed Dog
Enjoy!