Banality

If there is one thing in this world I hate above all others it is banality.

It is quite incredible to me that most people are perfectly happy living mundane little lives, living in mundane little box-houses up and down the country, driving mundane little box-cars and working in mundane jobs in mundane offices. What am I saying, of course they probably are not happy at all!

But it cannot be denied that this lifestyle is, if not wholly, then partially, chosen by people. Why?
There are many, many people proving that the mainstream way of life is not the only way.

I think privately it stems from adolescence. Trying to 'fit in' with friends, leading slowly but surely to such banality as they try more and more to 'fit in' with their neighbours, colleagues, bosses...

Now perhaps this is because I study an art form, but I find the prospect of living in such a manner fills me with dread. So what can I do about it?

Well, my interests are quite varied~ steampunk, Gothic, neo-Victorianism all come to mind~ so I guess I'm trying to forge a lifestyle for myself from elements of each. The love of scientific romance and fantastical machines from steampunk. The love for darker and macabre horror, humour and outlook from Gothic. The mannerisms and dress of neo-Victorianism. The problem with this is it leads to a 'Mr Ben' syndrome~ today I shall be a Goth, tomorrow I shall be a Punk and on Tuesday I shall be Victorian. Which is a bit childish really, and besides to merely use the dress of a bygone era simply as a costume or uniform is abhorent.

Well I say abhorent... it really is because in my present situation (university student, no disposable income, rented accommodation) there is really very little bar the way I dress, the way I carry myself and the literature I read and music I listen to to set myself apart from the awful banality of mainstream modern 'culture' and 'lifestyle'. Of course, in say ten years time when my situation will be no doubt completely different I can fully live the alternative lifestyle that I yearn for and yet at present can live only in my head.