In a psychology class I took when I was 20, back when I was smack dab in the middle of a severe depressive funk, we had to come up with an activity that “defies social norms.” We had to go out and do this unusual activity in public (or around family and friends) to gauge reactions to our anti-social behavior.
Because my very existence defies social norms, you’d think that this would be an easy activity for me.
It wasn’t. I was feeling down and dull, so I decided to do something simple: I stared at people, to see if or when they noticed.
At 29, I feel more creative. I wish I’d done something silly, like wearing all my clothes inside out.
I’m not talking about a Superman situation, I should say. I’m keeping Victoria’s secret. But flipping my jeans over and wearing them with the lining-side on the outside? I could do that. No branding, just … just lining.
I’m a consumer, but I don’t let it consume me.
Jamais Mayville 