On an ever so un-eventful Saturday night I found myself watching Never Been Kissed on E!, when I was struck with immediate inspiration for a blog. A scene in Mr. Coulson’s English Class is what triggered my pondering nature. The lines “when we´re in disguise, we feel freer. We do things we wouldn’t do in ordinary life.” are the ones that stood out to me.
How so very true indeed, Mr. Coulson. Is there something about a disguise or a mask that just exudes freedom? What is it about “hiding” behind something that allows us to show a completely different side that normally stays hidden in itself?
You don’t always have to go into full-on disguise to get that feeling. Have you ever noticed that sometimes all you need is a little push..
Think about that one shirt, pair of shoes, or the style of your hair, or maybe even that certain cologne that helps you tap into a part of you that may not show as often as others? The “never-fails” thing that gives you that little bit of courage, sex appeal, gusto, charisma, confidance, whatever..that just helps things swing in your favor? You know what I’m talking about. I know you do.
Back in highschool my trigger item used to be black eyeliner. Thick, bold, black eyeliner. I tell you…it was something about it…when I put it on top and bottom lids…it was innevitably going to be a ca-razy night. My SS and I referred to it as me puttin on my bitch eyes. haha Oh Heavens, those were the days! Now I couldn’t tell you what exactly it was about it, but I did indeed feel different when I lined my eyes in thick black, full top and full bottom. It was rather out of my character at that stage in life, now it seems like eyeliner is a regular thing, but rarely..rarely..do I go for the full top and bottom lines. (I’ll admit, when I do, I still get that spark inside..)
Maybe I was secretly trying to channel my inner-Edie with my black eyeliner.
Why must we put on a disguise or a mask to get that little spark inside? To make it okay to let it out and show another side. Have societal norms left us so entangled that a disguise is really the only way so as to not feel persecuted or judged for thinking outside our normal boxes? I get so caught up just thinking about it, I find my mind racing around in circles trying to figure out the answers. But then again, that could be it as well….there is no one answer to all of these questions I’ve posed to you, reader. And to be honest, that’s another added appeal of a disguise. Another hitch in the mystery of it all.
And so, Mr. Coulson and your Shakespearean English Class, I guess Life really is a Stage. Good thing I’ve got a closet full of masks and a disguise or two to go with it all. And of course, there’s always my black eyeliner.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth. – Oscar Wilde
