Smallville Season 2: Standing Out (early access)
The moral case for standing out from the crowd.
We all want to be recognized by other people.
Much as we might want to fit in with others and become part of the crowd, another part of us wants to feel like we're different. We want to be recognized for what makes us special and worthy of praise over other people. Be seen as in some ways better than other people. It's why we do things like join sports or try and be at the top in terms of academic achievement. We do it because it allows us the opportunity to win at these things. This allows us to stand out from the crowd and be more than just some person who you couldn't distinguish from anyone else. To be someone special.
Previously in this space, we've looked at the idea of trying to fit in. The idea that you want to feel like you belong to a group of people. Those you care about and want to connect with, and how that's difficult when you are different from other people. It requires you to try and hide who you are and what makes you special from the world. Otherwise people might think you're strange and want to leave you out of things. So you do things like become part of a team in sports or wear the same type of fashion as other people. You hide your differences like being overweight or some kind of special ability. All in an attempt to fit in. Blend in with everyone else so they can't see you as more than anyone else. But that's not the end of the story. You can also try to make other people want to follow you. Give people a reason for them to wear what you wear instead of you following others. You can try to stand out, but how do you do this?
“Dad's missing because of me and I brought this upon us...”
“You can't blame yourself. You can't change who you are. As long as you live people will try to exploit you. Your father and I have tried to shelter you as long as possible but one day we won't be there for you. And you're going to have to carry the burden of your gifts on your own. When your day comes, I have no doubt in my heart that you'll make us proud.”
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