Eternal Sunshine of an Eccentric Being

Human beings are a queer species. An advanced one, no doubt, but peculiar nonetheless.

From the day we’re born till we arrive at death’s door, we are conditioned, groomed and sculpted to suit the general norms of society.

Society is what makes us an advanced species. It has facilitated our intelligence, driving us to the pinnacle of the food chain. We live with those related to us most closely by blood and thrive on our interactions with each other.

We’re taught how to conduct ourselves while around each other, told in very explicit terms what is ‘acceptable’ and what isn’t.

However, there’s always an odd one out.

That ugly duckling in a bevy of swans who somehow can’t be a part of the group.

That duckling is left out, to grow on its own and to find its own way.

How many such ugly ducklings actually do find that way? How many are left behind, discarded and left to waste?

In this analogy, I’m not referring to criminals or psychopaths, killers and rapists. Theirs is a different story altogether, and they cannot be accepted into common society.

On the contrary, I’m referring to those off the track, but not so far wide.

They’re on the fringes. They’re all good souls by nature, but due to their ‘unnatural’ idiosyncrasies, they’re branded outcasts.

They’re frowned upon, for their seemingly offbeat outlook on life.

They are criticized for being different; mocked, teased, and sometimes even beaten to pulp by some degenerate elements of a seemingly high society.

A more euphemistic term for them is ‘Eccentrics’.

Eccentrics aren’t always allowed the liberty to flourish, to blossom into the chrysanthemums they can be.

There are various types of such ‘branded’ eccentrics. Some may have a different sexual orientation, some are symptomatic of Autism spectrum disorders, others may just have one or the other odd quality about themselves, like conversing in song, or being exaggerated in their actions. And then the silent ones, those who don’t prefer to convey their feelings by mode of speech.

Their thoughts are profound. Their creativity is inexplicable. Their imagination is limitless. Their talents are multifaceted, albeit hidden occasionally. But most of all, they have one thing in common. Each of them have a heart of gold. And if you gain their trust, they can be the most loyal friends, devoid of judgmental notions.

Yet, the ‘normal’ folk treat them with condescension.

I am an Eccentric. A mild one comparatively. What makes me weird? I take joy in the little things. I’m a ceaseless talker, never one known for silence. My interactions with people have been viewed as exaggerated, my mannerisms as off as a crazy person. I have conversations in my mind, with multiple facets of myself. And I’ve suffered for it. An outcast. In school, in my neighbourhood.

I learned to fight my way past those adversities. But I got lucky, because I had the support of my parents. However, not everyone is as lucky as I am. I’m friends with many such ‘eccentrics’; those who are considered to be way more extreme cases. They were unfortunate that their parents weren’t as liberally supportive as mine. They’ve been suppressed to the point of being cornered into their shells, where they remain in fear of Society.

But I love them. Because where others lack, they excel. What normal people don’t see, they do. And they are always true to themselves. They won’t change their natural state just to blend in. They are diamonds in the rough.

To all such Eccentrics out there, all over the world if you’re reading this, I have a message for you.

Be who are you are. Eccentric and proud.

Follow your heart and don’t be afraid to express yourselves in the ways you desire.

There’s always someone out there who will appreciate you for who you are.

One more thing. Always fight for what you believe in, and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. For when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Who knows?
You might just be the Einstein of the new millennium.
You can change the world.