We probably all start out by aspiring to be like the parent (or another significant person) that shares the same gender as us. To stereotype it, for examples sake, little girls will often be seen with dolls in a stroller pretending to be just like Mummy. I was lucky to have some strong men and women surrounding me as a child. I learnt much about being independent, questioning what was presented to me and how to care for others.
As a kid I loved watching music videos. I recall being in pure amazement at strong females like Annie Lennox and Cyndi Lauper. These women didn't obey the rules, instead they pushed both gender & political boundaries. I didn't understand sexuality but I did understand 'gender roles'. These ladies stood up to those social norms and screamed FUCK OFF! My 9yr old self was in complete awe and I wanted to be just like them. I knew of no other females in my circle of humans that strove for such things. I can confidently say that these women did change my outlook on the roles females can play in society.
Throughout my school years I found myself searching for tales of people that fought and won. Some of these were authors, artists, and some of my friends that were significantly older than I. I have always had a thirst for knowledge of experience. I loved the word 'why', I still do and I will never stop asking. Questioning everything keeps me young, I am sure. I love to hear stories, see through someone else's eyes, to try and learn a lesson from their words. And this is the reason music will always rank so highly. Lyrics speak volumes and during times when I had no words, certain songs spoke on my behalf.
Today I find myself inspired by strong women like Shirley Manson (more than just the front woman of rock band Garbage) and Vivienne Westwood (more than just an iconic fashion designer). These women speak to that 9yr old in me that was besotted by the empowerment displayed by Annie & Cyndi. In my every day life I surround myself with some of the most outstanding and amazing people one could ever hope to meet. Some of them have faced & conquered adversity that regular folk such as I can only imagine (my favourite Latin phrase "per ardua ad astra" sums it up perfectly). Others remind me of things a bruised heart needs to remember. Maybe they know their impact, maybe they don't. That doesn't really matter does it?
I have asked a number of people about inspirational people in their lives.
The most common response was that their family inspired them. In general, Mums would inspire a nurturing side and Dads would inspire strength and nobility. Many of you said that you were inspired by your peers which was really heartwarming I have to say. I even had one person tell me that they didn't look to anyone for inspiration. My first reaction was "Wow! This individual must live so contently in their own life, amazing!" Interestingly not many people looked up to the celebrity. This really shocked me considering the dominant presence they hold in our day to day lives. I learnt about some inspiring people that I had never heard of such as Nick Vujicic (you really should check out his story!). One of the most poignant statements came from a friend who said his life was forever changed by one of his teachers....
"I was a very loud and aggressive boy. Single Mum, oldest male in family and as puberty set on I was even more aggressive and violent. Unsure now looking back if that is how I felt inside or how I thought how I am supposed to act. Played rugby and was very much prototypical boy. The drama teacher taught me for all 5 years at high school. 2 classes by year 12. The first impression was weird and kinda soft. By the end he had taught me more about me and what being male could mean not had to be. You know me now and probably connect with me because of the effect this teacher had on my life & self."
As I get older I really want to help others see that they have choices when their family, work, significant others and the telly tells them that they don't. Sadly, I think that today there is a lack of significance toward the positive role model. Maybe I am wrong (I hope I am). Who inspires you?
Do you aspire to inspire?
How?
iris apfel
vivienne westwood
shirley manson
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