Imitation is a form of flattery
By carpediem17
@carpediem17 (1315)
Singapore
October 6, 2010 11:42pm CST
I note that there are people who like to imitate people they like for e.g. fans imitating the actions, styles and hairstyles of their pop idol. So much so that when there was a period of J-pop and korean wave beseiging a nation, many fans went as far as possible to learn the japanese or korean language. This is not to mention the many japanese or korean products bought during shopping sprees.
Similarly the fashion of the day could be the latest styles of their "idol". I remember some years back many women will spot the hairdo similar to Princess Di's.
So would you agree me that Imitation is a form of flattery for these "idols" as they seem to have started a wave, a fashion outbreak of sorts?
1 person likes this
8 responses
@carpediem17 (1315)
• Singapore
12 Oct 10
haha, in that sense fashion sense, it inspired you in a certain way.
@paige4evr (118)
• Estonia
7 Oct 10
It is flattering. It's a way to pay tribute to the people one admires. If you didn't admire them you wouldn't want to be like them. But also it can be an attempt to make oneself cool and accepted, even though you're not into the latest fashions at all. Or you don't like them but you imitate them because they are popular and you want to be popular too.
@carpediem17 (1315)
• Singapore
12 Oct 10
hi paige, thanks for your thoughts on this. Perhaps its a way to pay tribute to the people one admires, or for the sake of one's own popularity. By virtue of this imitation and the choice of the "idol", it has count as a form of flattery to the one being imitated - whether it is Lady Di or Lady Gaga.
@chiyosan (30186)
• Philippines
7 Oct 10
Well it could be.. but it all depends if the imitation do justice to the original and has modified to still be unique.. even by the fans.
For me, i am not such a fan of hollywood stars, of Asian actors and music.. I would find some interesting but will not go through such a hard time following whatever is in right now. I prefer to dress comfortably, and i prefer to just be me - what i want to wear and not according to what is in style...
@carpediem17 (1315)
• Singapore
12 Oct 10
hi chiyosan, it is cool to have one's own style and keep at it as long as one feels comfortable and well in it.
There are so many fan clubs of hollywood stars and asian stars that I really wonder if that has become a fashion trend too.
@bodhisatya (2384)
• India
7 Oct 10
Hi Carpediem,
Yup it is said quite wisely, that imitation is the best form of flattery. I would just love to add here that it may not be necessary that a person who is an icon or a star would be imitated. You may even come across people who would imitate just another regular guy because he she is worth imitating.
Hmmm...Perhaps there are even people out there who imitates you or me 
@carpediem17 (1315)
• Singapore
12 Oct 10
hi bodhi, whoa i hope I do inspire some people in some way for some form of imitation to take place, haha. I certainly would not like to cause another to stumble though.
@eurekafemme (5874)
• Philippines
7 Oct 10
That depends upon who are you emulating and why are you emulating such person's act, styles or behaviors. Some may think of it as flattery but others may view it as humiliation.
If a person is doing something that is considered good and can bring out the best in the person emulating him/her, then that is flattery. But if the end result of such emulation is a downfall or mockery to the person involve, then it is not flattery but rather a humiliation.
In case of stars and idols, they can easily influence people because they are famous but that doesn't mean that if they are being emulated they are posing as a good example and they should b flattered about it...
@carpediem17 (1315)
• Singapore
12 Oct 10
I think where the imitation takes place to follow the latest and hip trends of hollywood stars like Michael Jackson and his dance moves or his dress sense, it is a kinda admiration that MJ is the "king" and the leader and any similarity thereof will be easily recognised.
You are right to say that not all stars exhibit good examples and are therefore worthy of being emulated or followed. It is basically quite individual in that sense but normally it is senseless in the first place.
@carpediem17 (1315)
• Singapore
10 Oct 10
hi sam, there is always the opportunist amongst us who will create a dime for every possibility to make some monies. It sucks creatively but I guess the next best thing is to patent your uniqueness if you are a star. If not, continue to tweak your every fashion in your own way and just make yourself happy!! And maybe some around you. 
@Monkeyrose (2840)
• Canada
7 Oct 10
I think it is flattering when one or two people do it but when on mass it degrades the original. I love to see when people take something I've created and make it their own.
My favourite idol and punk rock star of sorts was Joe Strummer. He would say go out and create something original. Question the world and your idols. We are all human. Just stop sitting there and go out and do something about it.
@carpediem17 (1315)
• Singapore
10 Oct 10
hi Monkeyrose - right, any imitation of oneself is already flattering, regardless of the numbers, haha.
It is indeed a personal flair to be unique or to stand out in a crowd. Cheers.
@hardworkinggurl (37062)
• United States
7 Oct 10
It is like a fade and craze that people begin to emulate idols by immediately copying and imitating their styles. Sometimes it is a bit out of hand as many go all the extreme even with plastic surgery.
I am sure the actual celebrity at times feels insulted by the extremes and measures people go to be like them.
@carpediem17 (1315)
• Singapore
10 Oct 10
yup i think if a large group of people starts imitating you, one begins to wonder if these people are just following blindly - a group-think kinda thing. I'm not sure but i do wonder if it causes the "star" to feel a bit self-important or pompous on their ability to sway.
