Personality
Monday, December 21, 2009 1:30 PM
We've all stereotyped at some point of our lives.
No matter how snooty people get about the subject, there's really nothing wrong with stereotyping. It is the image of a person that we build personality onto as we go along.
But what is personality?
It's patterns of behaviour. How they respond to situations around them. Their favourite drink. Favourite food. Taste in movies and music. Personality defines the everyday choices that we make. These choices become facts. You bought Coke. You listened to Adam Lambert.
When you observe these facts, you start to see Tom, Dick, and Hermione. You begin to answer 'Who are they?' Isn't that what happens in all stories? You build a world from the facts the storyteller chooses to share. But it's a mirage, because it's always the author's invention. The author has already decided how he wants you to feel, so he picks facts - and only those facts - that are in line with the story.
But human character isn't all neat and tidy.
Just when you think you've got to know someone, they do something completely 'out of character'. Most people get confused by this - outraged that their neat little formula has proved untrue. And therefore they deny it; 'That can't be true, he just wouldn't do that," they say. But I find it fascinating. It makes me wonder if there is anything such as true character, but rather patterns of behaviour which may break down.
You can change your preferences in an instant. Anyone is capable of anything.
Monday, December 21, 2009 1:30 PM
We've all stereotyped at some point of our lives.
No matter how snooty people get about the subject, there's really nothing wrong with stereotyping. It is the image of a person that we build personality onto as we go along.
But what is personality?
It's patterns of behaviour. How they respond to situations around them. Their favourite drink. Favourite food. Taste in movies and music. Personality defines the everyday choices that we make. These choices become facts. You bought Coke. You listened to Adam Lambert.
When you observe these facts, you start to see Tom, Dick, and Hermione. You begin to answer 'Who are they?' Isn't that what happens in all stories? You build a world from the facts the storyteller chooses to share. But it's a mirage, because it's always the author's invention. The author has already decided how he wants you to feel, so he picks facts - and only those facts - that are in line with the story.
But human character isn't all neat and tidy.
Just when you think you've got to know someone, they do something completely 'out of character'. Most people get confused by this - outraged that their neat little formula has proved untrue. And therefore they deny it; 'That can't be true, he just wouldn't do that," they say. But I find it fascinating. It makes me wonder if there is anything such as true character, but rather patterns of behaviour which may break down.
You can change your preferences in an instant. Anyone is capable of anything.
Labels: Discussion