Tuesday 26 January 2016

This is Adeola... DON'T be Like Her... Be Like You {Self-Appreciation}

Be Like Bill internet meme

Y’all seen the latest viral stuff yet? Before somebody attacks me on whether the word “Viral” is accurate or not, lemme clear things up. The word, as used here, is a relative term. It was all over my Facebook, BBM, Insta and generally my corner of the World Wide Web. So to me, it was viral   


I’m not keen on naming it, but suffice it to say it’s the “Be Like” craze. When I first started noticing it, the subject was usually Bob or Jane, and everyone kept putting it up “Bob is this or that, Bob is smart, Be like Bob; Be like Jane”. Not until later did I start seeing the personalized ones. I realized I could also get my story from a website and I did. I was pretty amused by the results. lol

Why did this go viral? Could it be because most of the results given were pretty accurate? Or could it be that innate attraction towards idolization? That ‘something’ in us always seeking someone- or something- else to look up to…


'Be Like Bill' internet meme
I like this one. Just go back!  source: BBM



Be Like Bill internet meme stick figure
Source: BBM
Be Like Bill internet meme
Don't kill me for this, Tari 

Beyond the fun in these pictures; beyond the near-accurate results or the fact that it’s ‘cool’ right now… Beyond all these is a lesson or let’s say, a ‘take-away’ principle for us… Yes, there’s something in us that seeks to look up to another entity, MOST TIMES unconsciously sef. Confess it, at one time or the other, you’ve long-throated to ‘Be Like’:
  • That cool guy with his equally cool set of wheels, living the fab life (#Beardgang #YorubaDemon on fleek!);
  • The popular Insta sweetheart with her ALWAYS #Slay #OnFleek #IwokeUpLikeThis photos!
  • The ‘Man of God’, motivational speaker, ‘brother’ and ‘sister’ whose lives (as we see it o!) are full of inspiration;
  • The couple endlessly declaring their love for each other on social media (#Relationshipgoals)
  • The mother of 5 who effortlessly rocks a Size 8 (#Fitfam ti takeover!)

…so many instances can be given


Be Like Bill internet meme stick figure
Source: Facebook
Be Like Bill internet meme stick figure
Oosheyyy!


But… do you often think to ‘Be Like You’? Do we take a look at ourselves and STRIVE towards being ‘me’? I hope I’m not misunderstood here. There’s nothing wrong with having a role model or mentor or someone we look up to. There’s nothing wrong with ADMIRING specific qualities in someone else. The ‘ish’ is in you OBSESSING over it.


Be Like Bill internet meme stick figure
Source: BBM
Be Like Bill internet meme stick figure
Of course, who are we not to Be Like Jesus 

Lemme not talk too much. The next time you think to ‘emulate’ somebody (or something), just remember not to lose yourself in the process.


Peace and Chocolate cake,
Love,
Mary ✌  

4 comments:

  1. Great job sis. A reminder to be myself, irrespective of whomever I suppose to be a mentor. Above all, Christ is the ultimate.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great job sis. A reminder to be myself, irrespective of whomever I suppose to be a mentor. Above all, Christ is the ultimate.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks ma'am. I'm glad u got the message

      Delete