Mar 7, 2006 0
Eccentrics…
The Merriam -Webster dictionnary defines “eccentric” as:
a: deviating from an established or usual pattern or style
b : deviating from conventional or accepted usage or conduct especially in odd or whimsical ways.
In this definition, I am proud to define myself as an eccentric, in my vain and self-centered way. I also find interresting that the majority of my friends fit the definition quite well, from nude models and video game programmers, to snake entusiasts and BDSM lovers…
The problem is, when you start thinking about it, is that everyone has their own quirks their own eccentricities, small as they may be, but all mean that the actual center, the simple norm is a rather lonely place, where very few can be found. So if everyone is strange, no one is, in short… So I can stop wearing black and leather, I can grow back my hair to a respectable cut, I can go back home to Canada and find a job as a civil servant. I can start watching the dead dog news over dinner, listening to Celine Dion and voting for the conservatives, because in the end, no matter all we do, we’re all freaks no matter what…
So, when all is said and done, once I know that I’m just another freak among freaks, why do I still shave my head? Why do I still take pictures with a century old camera? Why did I move away from my home and took my wife and kid to a strange country a continent away? Why do I dress in black and wear a top-hat? Why did I chose renaissance swordplay as a martial art? Why is it so important to me to be one step outside of the accepted circle? Why is it so darn important to me to be seen as the odd guy?
I guess it’s a matter of competition. I don’t feel confident enough to take on the world on its own turf, so I create my own rules, I specialize in being alone in my branch, this way I can be the best out of one!
I guess that it’s the ultimate perk of being an eccentric…
