Donning the Mask of Niceness

[Setsuken]

I had to write this blurb for my English class, but I think it raises a pretty good question and potential for Discussion:

Donning the Mask of Niceness

One of the biggest contradictions of personal thought in society today is the want for sincerity and politeness, usually at the same time. People not only want to hear something honest and from the inner most self of a person, but they also want to hear something that is positive or nice. Of course, what perhaps no one realizes is that is nearly impossible to get both on a regular, common basis.

It may be argued, that being critical is part of human nature. It is simply easier to find faults and problems in something than it is to notice its virtues. It is almost akin to a chore, something that takes constant and intentional effort. In an ideal world, everyone would look for the good in people and try their best to ignore the bad, but unfortunately, the ideal world and the ideal person is more of a concept than reality.

The problem is, that it is still required by society to be this, perfect, nice person. Society demands it, society requires it, and a refusal to conform will lead to you becoming an outsider. Being an outsider is something no one desires, and it can safely be assumed that it is something that everyone works to avoid.

While no one wants to be an outsider, not many can find the effort to actually change themselves into the sort of sincere, positive person that society desires. The end result? Everyone simply moves to the next best thing, attempting to fake it. They don the mask of the nice person, and play the part that society so desires.

The mask saves you from being the outsider, but it inadvertently also prevents you from being true to yourself or the person or situation you are in. Is the mask a good thing or a bad thing? Most of the times it is hardly noticeable, and whether it is good or bad, it is simply a necessity and therefore all choice on whether to don it or discard it is, effectively eliminated.

What do you think? Do we all wear masks? Do we hide ourselves for the sake of being nice and not hurting other's feelings? Is it right? Discuss!

[Mellusia]

Well I know that outside of home, I keep a tight lid on my emotions since I'm often with people I don't know that well or just random strangers to boot. You have no clue what could set other people off, and the last thing people want is drama. I've had people insult me and even though I want to respond in kind I just cap a lid on the potential situation and "sincerely" apologize for whatever fault I did.

I've worked on the cash register quite a few time and I tell you now that a lot of customers are just buttholes plain and simple. If it's justifiable outrage, than I try to be understanding and try to accommodate them as best as I can, but I've heard some of the most ridiculous complaints and even have been insulted a few times for something that wasn't even in my hands. You wouldn't believe how many times I've wanted to just sock someone in the face for their attitude.

But I don't. I just smile, apologize for whatever minuscule grievance they've been a victim of, and hope they trip while they're walking away >_>

So even if it's a lie, just fake your kind persona. "Bear and grin it" is the saying, right? Because often you're not in a situation to be your true self. It's very hard to be yourself in society anyways, so it's not something new >_>