On Embarassment... by StrangeLooks

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On Embarassment...

POSTED BY: STRANGELOOKS
UPDATED: Saturday, October 15, 2005 04:06
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Saturday, October 15, 2005 3:50 AM

Ok, to start off let me say that while I am a new member to this thread I have been surfing around for a while and found this one to be great. The people are interesting and the topics broad. That is why I feel this is an appropriate forum in which to vent this thought(It's been stewing since someone gave me a sideways look while I swore in Chinese one day).

I have noticed from time to time that people refer to a change in behavior, attitude, speech, or some other personality trait after watching Firefly/Serenity. Sometimes these people are open and happy about the change. To them I say "Shiny".

However, there is a portion of you that seem almost ashamed that you could let yourself be changed by something like a TV show. This thread is for you.

I'd be a gorram liar if I said I wasn't permanently altered by the content of Firefly. I have been. A lot. I'm ok with that.

The question is "Why am I ok with that?" Some say that this is antisocial behavior, creating a persona based around fictitious characters. But this seems quite untrue to me. I haven't attempted to "be" anyone on the show. I have however sought to emulate characteristics of those I've seen, since theirs seems a better way of doing things than what I've come up with on my own. I still understand full well that it's just TV. I understand that none of these people are like me, close to me in any way, or even closely resemble people I know in real life(Sometimes a bit though). All and all, I still have my bearings.

To put the idea of allowing change from a TV show in a different light, let's look at some books I'm sure some of you have read (At least in part).

1.Stranger in a Strange Land
Great book, great philosophy. Changed me, and more than a few others I'm sure.

2.Pillars of the Earth
Most amazing book I've read in years. Makes me love architecture.

3.The Bible
Miracles, big floods, "begat"

. Changed millions of people everywhere.

Now I'm not saying that Firefly is on par with the bible, so please don't misread*. I am saying that these are books. An impersonal media format, just like TV. Someone else wrote these and you just simply read 'em. Not many folks feel bad about the changes they received from these books.

Often writers seek to convey a message to their audience, and it is evident that Joss had a number of messages crammed into that think-box he calls a head. So why then should you feel bad about a positive change that was brought on by a TV show. Stranger things have happened.

To switch gears a bit, look at the way in which we form our personality. You most likely have the mannerisms of your parents, friends, co-workers, ect. These traits have been passed along by observing them in others. Likewise you have observed some traits you find admirable, and have accepted them as your own. No difference in my opinion. If the change is positive then it's nothing to be worried over. If however you have developed a small arsenal and refer to your favorite gun as "Vera", perhaps it's time to take a step back.

Point is, there's not a gorram thing wrong with letting a bit of the goodness, humor, and intelligence of these characters color your personal life. It's all part of treasuring something. And I for one hold Firefly dear to my heart.

Well that's about enough ranting, I'm sorry if I offended or bored anyone. Thanks for letting me get it out.

* To those that would read my post and think me an avid Christian/Atheist, I say this to you: Please leave it alone. There are other places to talk religion.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity."~Albert Einstein

"Does that seem right to you?"~Jubal Early

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Saturday, October 15, 2005 4:06 AM

EMBERS

Quote:
Originally posted by StrangeLooks:
Well that's about enough ranting, I'm sorry if I offended or bored anyone. Thanks for letting me get it out.

not in anyway offended or bored,
curious though...on the title 'on Embarassment'
because I think you got the wrong crowd here if you think any of us are likely to be easily embarassed!

Here you find a band of Browncoats who dress up like characters,
try to talk Chinese, create fan fic and fan art,
and engage in long rambling foolish threads about nothing at all
(I suggest you read 'ignore this thread'...although that isn't the worst you'll find)

no, this crowd is pretty much embarassment free,
letting it all hang out,
having shindigs, putting up fliers, and generally acting silly in public
(I myself have worn my 'Firefly' or 'Serenity' logo clothing for weeks in my effort to promote the opening of the film).

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