Ah, euphemisms...

Maybe lies are "strategic misrepresentations"
(Not sure if it goes with my post, I saw it on an away message once upon a time)

Let's suppose we discuss the various tastes one may have in music, clothes, art, movies, etc. So we find that we get to know a person solely on these pieces of information? We all commonly place judgement based on these subjects alone. Just not intentionally. Malcolm Gladwell writes on this very topic in his newest work, Blink. (Discovered Gladwell and his earlier work The Tipping Point by accident. The cashier had accidently switched my bag with the customer's purchase in front of me. That customer took my books home, and I took his. Unfortunately, I also had to take his book on "How to" cook.)

Music. I shall be the test subject on today's topic. I will note various songs and bands I enjoy. With each song, I will jot a song lyric that pops in my head.


SmashMouth-Come on Come on
Would you give me a clue what to do cause my minds in motion
Just trying to relax...
With big plans but there's always tomorrow
Is something wrong with me or the way that I'm thinking

Prince-Sexy MF
You seem perplexed I haven't taken you yet...
But I can take it, cuz I want the whole nine
This ain't about the body, it's about the mind

Lil Flip-Sunshine
I like them short and tall but not too thick
I just walk in the spot and take my pick
And they wanna roll cause they like my style
And when I pop my collar I make them smile
I need a lady in the streets but a freak in the sheets
That know how to cook cause a nigga like to eat
Spaghetti, shrimp and steak and I'll adore you
I'll treat you like milk, I'll do nothing but spoil you

Bjork-It's oh so quiet
You ring the bell Bim bam
You shout and you yell Hi ho ho
You broke the spell
Gee, this is swell you almost have a fit
This guy is 'gorge' and I got hit
There's no mistake this is it

The Smithereens-A Girl Like You
I'll say anything you want to hear
I'll see everything through
I'll do anything I have to do
Just to win the love of a girl like you, a girl like you

Lenny Kravitz-Lady
Yeah
Don't you know she blows my mind
All the time
'Cause she makes me feel good
Like real woman should
Yeah
All the time
Yeah
Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah

I can list other songs I like, but I find that a small example will do. Notice the listing? I just quickly jotted down a lyric. *Humming along as best I could* A mixture of songs that can or cannot tell a little about myself. My brother listens to hard core rap. I'm not necessarily going to classify him as a "thug".

The same can be said about movies. Or books, or foods, whatever. You can't really judge a person based on these things alone. My movie collection is filled with movies like: Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels, So I Married an Axe Murderer, 25th Hour, Reservoir Dogs. I may be from New Jersey, but I'm no Mafia princess.

I'm always surprised when people react to what I enjoy. Songs, food, books, shows, art... anything. People are composed of different wants, likes & dislikes, and personal choices. Why does my personal selection have to go under examination because I like certain or most things?

I thought about this for most of the day yesterday. It was my day off, and I found myself exploring the new Strathmore Music Hall in Rockville, Maryland. (Talk about liking certain things.) The building itself is jaw dropping. You would never imagine a building like that off a major road like 355. (Side note: The last time I saw great architecture was in Chicago last summer when I went to see a show at Second City.) There's a dance studio, art gallery, and of course, the new music hall. What a grand sight that was to see! I spent about two hours walking about, but most of my time was spent listening to jazz. There were arts & crafts, sign up sheets, and screaming kids. I also took note of the groups of people in attendance. There were the usual families, the snobbish Bethesda elite, the DC CEO's, and the music enthusiasts. Hmmm, wonder where I fit in?

What is that certain "thing" that generates interest in learning more about someone? Past experience? Personal faves? Sense of humor? Whether they like Chicken or Beef?

People are interesting because of their own personal faves, quirky mannerisms, and eating habits. If we were all the same, life would be boring. People are attracted to other people for one reason or another. So what makes you interesting?