Portraying a Person to a World - Essay Example

 We are all part of a bigger world, larger than we can even think. None in this modern world of technology and media can place even a slightest claim of living on an island. Thus, definitely nobody is in a shell. Each one of us is vulnerable to the tradition of this so called fierce and selfish world. This affects our habits and behavior to be in line with the surroundings. To be successful one has to flow with the stream of this world. Nobody of even the mightiest power can impose his own rules without first bowing before this world himself. “Fortune favors the Bold”, Virgil, the Aeneid, indeed we should be brave and courageous in the face of this world. However, after following certain universal rules which are set in stone since ages. Alexander the great, M .K Gandhi and Bill Gates have all reaped heaps of benefits but at certain costs. To be dominant one has to blend with the colors of this world. Similarly, I have certain habits and traits which have been molded by the environment around me. The culture and traditions of the world in which I live have and are influencing me a lot. Each moment teaches a new lesson and each experience solves yet another paradox of life. Why is life so hard and tough? Many people wonder on this question. The answer in my opinion is simple as mentioned in the introduction. Whenever I go in public or portray myself to others, I indicate certain qualities and symbols which in my opinion will lubricate success. I belong to the oriental culture where strict belief is placed in family ties and values unlike the western one where individualism is dominant. Therefore, the external factors greatly affect my behavior. My parents are not that educated but they try their best to get their children educated. Inspired by the modern world race of education and success, they strive to equip their children with the best means of survival. I have done my O-levels belonging to a local education background, I did well. Following which I went to the second best local institution to pursue A-levels. After the completion of my A-levels, I landed in one of the leading local business education institutions due to lack of finance for studying abroad. I have five siblings which along my parents make 8 of us dwelling in a two room house. Such proximity makes us rectify each others behavior. However, facing bitter experiences and challenges in the past I have two aspects which I use to portray myself to this world depending upon the target audience and their mindset. I use a religious outlook and a more cool pro entertainment one. Such a behavior of switching between different moods and outlooks make us seem more like selfish creatures as a chameleon but in the end this is what we all practice after all “ Only The Fittest Survives”. Appearance in a more formal gathering with elders and family members signal me to look more appealing in that particular situation. Appealing here refers not to physical beauty but to the best behavior that makes me attractive. Thus, I adopt a more Islamic behavior paying more attention to the traditional practices and Islamic doctrines that are stressed upon us since childhood. We talk about prayers, about our holy book, about fasting, about pilgrimage and even some past religious events. Thus the whole theme under such a circumstance is transformed to religion. Such an outlook if portrayed in front of friends or relatives of similar age would be regarded as ineffective or in other words “silly”. Therefore, it works best and attracts admiration by elders. Elders seem to appreciate it, as in our culture association with a pious or a purely fair person is widely sought. Even for the search of groom parents seek a match for their daughters who has a good job and is religious; says prayers five times a day and a fasts regularly. Similar is the case when parents search a bride match for their sons. The bride is desired to have as less interaction with friends, being as religious and conservative as possible. Therefore I tend to be more religious. On the other hand, while enjoying with friends I adopt an entirely different outlook. Friends are people whom you can trust and be frank with. Thus, things that are done with them, stays with them. We watch movies, talk about actresses and girls, play games and have fun. This behavior of mine if seen from the eyes of my elders would attract strong criticism possibly being included in the realm of “forbidden” actions. There is a time when everybody gets exhausted and stressed out. Thus, the frustration needs to be gotten rid of by means of entertainment which can not be possible with elders. Coupled with this, I adopt an attitude which can at times make me look cool or acceptable in the gathering at either university or my locality. I depict myself to be fond of rock music, liking action packed movies and games. My friends are really thrilled by this attitude of mine as this is what they also do themselves. Hence, I sometimes have to adapt to what they do or like to attract their interests and strengthen our friendship. This way every time we meet we have something or the other to talk about. We share our views and suggest new ideas. This keeps us bonded together in the relationship of a behavior which evolves with time and maturity. Having outlooks at the two extremes can definitely at times be risky and problematic. Hence, a balance between the two needs to be deduced. Instincts and situations signal living creatures to modify their behaviors. Therefore, some animals play dead, some blend with the surrounding colors and forms while some run away in the face of looming danger. Similarly, my instincts signal me to keep a balance between the two. Things are difficult initially however, after persistent practice and mistakes, one gets a grasp of even the most dreadful ordeals. I learnt to tackle different situations, I learnt to keep up with the speed of this world and “I learned to live this life”. Read More