Can self expression go to far?
By Awinds
@Awinds (2468)
United States
July 12, 2011 1:58am CST
Self expression, or sharing your "real self" with the world. Self expression can be communicated in the way of the styling of appearance and attitude. It can be communicated by action and the results of work. There are different levels of self expression - from mild to extreme. Some people stop at what kind of clothes they wear. Others go beyond and adopt hair dye, tattoos, piercings and other body modifications. Some even go beyond that. Generally self expression isn't a bad thing. Having confidence in your unique self is healthy.
But is it possible for self expression to become to extreme? Are there situations and times when drastic forms of self expression are not appropriate? And last but not least: should people have "I don't care" attitude when it comes to self expression or should they take into account the people they will be with and the situation they will be in?
7 responses
@Lore2009 (7378)
• United States
12 Jul 11
Interesting topic. I think this answer will always be a vague one: depends on the situation. For example, if you were to go work at a traditional business type of profession; having tattoos and pink hair will not make you look good and you probably will get fired or be told to change. One should expect a few comments about their looks in a situation like that. If the situation is not serious, like going to get groceries, I think people can have the right to go with an "I don't care" attitude but it also wouldn't prevent you from being ridiculed... well, I guess that depend on where you shop too.
@satyaa2011 (72)
• India
13 Jul 11
Yes self expression can go too far but it depends upon the intensity of expression .Self expression means how we exprss ourselves in front of others and ot also means how we react to our surroundings .Attitude is a very important aspect of self expression .Person should always have positive attitude towards all kind of situation he is facing in his daily life .Perspective also matters a lot when we talk about self expression as people express themselves according to their perspective .Self expression should be congenial and healthy and it should not be extreme and orthodox .
@knoodleknight18 (917)
• United States
12 Jul 11
I assume your question here refers more to outward appearance as opposed to other forms. I would say definitely there is a line that has been crossed, at the same time the socially accepted line has been drawn to conservatively. Hair dye is very temporary, if you want green or purple hair go ahead, it might stand out but it's not really a big deal, tattoos are becoming more acceptable, so are piercings. I'm not really into them, but if a person wants them I don't really care, I'd honestly rather deal with a professional with green hair, piercings in his lips, and a tattoo on his forehead than a guy who looks professional but sucks at his job. Most of what's acceptable is really just discrimination, we assume because of how someone looks that they are a certain way. Look up the experiment with Timothy McVeigh and the black school teacher if you want a shining example of how we are taught to discriminate at an early age.
A lot of body modifications are questionable. Implants, botox, and plastic surgery can often lead to unnecessary health problems, but that's an individuals choice to make. Even tanning could be considered a form of expression. When you think about it we're really just more judgmental about things that don't appeal to us.
Beyond on that there are a few things that I find unacceptable. Amputations for non-medical reasons comes to mind, but there's probably others. That's really just stupid and you deserve to be treated like an idiot, no sympathy should be given.
@bouncybug (613)
• South Africa
12 Jul 11
I agree that self expression in most cases is a good thing - you should be allowed to feel unique in who you are and express that in your appearance or your actions. But of course self expression does have a limit. I believe that as soon as you start offending people with the way you dress or the things that are saying and doing, then you have taken self expression too far. You can express your individuality in a respectful manner, without having to offend people. And I don't think you can ever adopt an "I don't care' attitude - you should always consider the feelings and beliefs of others and respect those, in my opinion.
@Awinds (2468)
• United States
13 Jul 11
Do you think though you should be able to do whatever you want when you want when it comes to self expression. For example, what about ambulations (yes, some people do it on purpose)? Is that mocking those who really have lost limbs in the wars or is just harmless self expression?
@RJlady1 (144)
• United States
12 Jul 11
I think some things are inappropriate. For instance, wearing clothing that shows too much skin (like you see the boys whose pants ride so low they're showing their butt.)Offensive t-shirts to a restaurant. People should use some judgement. You can express yourself and still have some class.
@Awinds (2468)
• United States
13 Jul 11
I have seen shirts wear - in public - the wearer expresses affinity for certain X-rated content. There are usually demonstrative pictures to. I think this is to much. If you are going to live around other people, you can't just do whatever you want. You should expect other people (and their young children) to tolerate that and then complain when they don't.
@ilovestool (107)
• China
12 Jul 11
Yeah,everything should have a limit.So does self expression.We all know we are unique,and in fact we are.But we have to choose a healthy way to express it.Personnally,I don't like tattoos piercings because they are not from the 'real you'.Your temperament is the real thing inside yourself.Just like everyone can wear like a millionaire but not everyone can act like a millionaire.We should also care about our expression.
