On my recent trip to England I purchased a selfie stick. For those who are not aware of what it is, it is a very stereotypically Asian tourist device, and it allows the person to extend the reach of their arm via an expandable stick which has a phone at one end for them to take photos of themselves versus the conventional selfie (self portrait picture).
First off, let me preface this by saying I am very pleased with the differences in photo quality. It has allowed me to get the actual scenery that surround me in the picture and it is a great asset to have when traveling alone and without people to take photos.
But the selfie stick is somewhat stigmatized and so I felt very conflicted about buying it. I knew it would make me look super touristy, but also ostracized from my friends. I’m not sure how ‘cool’ selfies are.
I asked my friends before buying it, and they said they wouldn’t talk to me in public or acknowledge me in public with it. I knew they were joking, but it was still telling of the public disgrace and shame it would bring on me.
But nonetheless I bought it.
But why? I wanted one forever and I let what people think of me and what it would mean stop me from buying it.
But what it came down to was: I bought it because it made me happy and I realized that that is the only reason I need.
This really touched me because I went against what I thought I should do and listened to my heart and I am so glad I did.
I don’t usually do this, I care a lot, too much, about what people think about me, and my general image. I know I shouldn’t, but these are the thoughts that go through my mind. I didn’t used to, but somewhere along the way, I picked up this care about what people thought about me.
Well, perhaps this is change.