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The Cultural District

          One night you’re hanging out in your city’s “cultural district.”  This isn’t your scene, but you’re an aspiring writer and weren’t invited to your college friends’ corporate happy-hour…again.  You’re at a poetry slam, a coffee shop, or a hipster bar, and feel out of place.  You reek of “sellout” but don’t know why - you’re living week-to-week as a part-time server and freelance writer.  Then you realize; it’s my collared shirt, it’s my pressed khakis.  Every eye stares at you through greasy “emo” bangs.  You want to run back to your Miller Lite specials and Kanye West tunes, but as a writer, you must broaden your horizons and network with fellow artists.

             To survive this situation, you must realize that most of this is in your head.  As a clean-cut, white, American male, you are seldom in the minority; it is unnerving to find yourself there.  Never project your insecurities into the thoughts of others.  Remind yourself that you’re among people that pride themselves on being open-minded and tolerant.     

            However, the voice in your head is right sometimes.  You will wind up across from some hipster with eyeliner and lip rings that does judge you.  He rolls his eyes when you talk about writing.  He sees the watch your father bought you for graduation and remarks that your first novel will be about your frat-brothers.  Your confidence is undermined - and you never even joined a frat!  You start wondering; if my personal style is so “safe”, then is my writing “safe” as well?       

            Do not to buy into what he’s selling, even if his cronies are.  Like all prejudices, his is based only on surface evidence.  Artistry is not about the artist but about the work.  You deserve to be judged by your work. 

            Although an artistic perspective can be reflected in both one’s image and one’s material, there is no a direct correlation.  Moreover, the former does not prove that the latter is any good.  In fact, many live the “artist” lifestyle to compensate for weaknesses in their art.  I use the term “artist-in-attitude-alone” for such people.  The guy at your table might be one of them.

            Even then, don’t discount the creativity he puts into his sense of self.  This is an art form that everyone practices.  We choose our clothes, our friends, where we hangout, and the temper we maintain.  These elements come together like notes in a symphony or scenes in a film.  All of our lives become our masterpieces in that sense. 

            Yet, this bully needs to understand that some elements of artistry are self-recognition and self-acceptance.  Who hasn’t grown their hair out to look artsy?  But if it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t fit.  Yes, you’re a writer; you’re deep and cultured.  But you’re also a good-looking guy that likes looking good, and likes good looking women.  You’re a sucker for tan-skin, naval rings, tramp stamps, tail-gate parties and barbecues (so maybe you’re a little shallow).  You like to stay within that niche.  Be okay with being okay with the status quo - at least in your social life.  That’s who you are, be it.        

            Although lifestyle is an art, yours doesn’t have to be artistic.  That’s what your writing is for; let the written word be your expression, your passion, your rebellion.  Leave the “image art” to him.  It seems to be a good fit. 

            Why does this guy dress the way he does; maybe his image accentuates his art, maybe his image is his art, or maybe he’s an a-hole that craves attention?  You don’t know the real reason.  More importantly, you don’t need to know - it’s none of your business.

            How you dress is none of his business either.  Enjoy the rest of your night in the “cultural district.”  Dress, speak, and live however the hell you want.  Most people there will accept you.  If this hipster doesn’t - do what anyone should do when being judged or looked down upon - tell him to f--- off. 

            Move on to other, more interesting, people.  You’re an artist now; it’s your job.