I Feel I Should Say Something Provocative
Posted on April 24, 2007
Filed Under identity |
Just to get your attention (look at me!). I’d wear something provocative, but it wouldn’t produce quite the effect for which I was aiming (yes, I really am that ugly).
So…what to talk about…
Yes, I was on Jeopardy!, as someone noted. Some day I might write about that, but not today.
Yes, I am an accountant. But that doesn’t define who I am…Ah-ha!
Interesting discussion on the radio this morning, led by Ralph Benmergui (if you don’t know, don’t ask). Are we defined by our perceptions of ourselves, or by the perceptions that others have of us?
My take is that it depends on context. In some situations it’s one thing, in some situations others. Some people (most people, probably) would like to define me by my profession, because “accountant” comes with a whole bunch of stereotypes, and they think that the term creates a portrait of my character, abilities and limitations. I suppose that, had I become an accountant so that people would think that way of me (as I suppose some people choose law or medicine for the public’s image of those professions), there would be some connection between that image and me.
Nothing could be further from the truth. I may just be the least typical accountant on the planet.
Here’s Ralph:
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