What's the difference?

Individualism is something that, as human beings, we all seek. We seek to find ourselves as individuals in the larger context of a social group, and larger still, society. We attempt to adopt a unique identity that we can call our own.

However, it can be seen that in many of these social groups, there is a sort of...sameness, of homogeneity. Everyone doing the same thing, wearing the same thing, listening to the same music, and even liking the same thing. Perhaps in our efforts of individualization, we also have a need for connection and social interaction. That need then turns itself into a sort of anticipatory socialization in which in order to be friends and engage with others, a part of yourself has to be like them as well.

I've always felt that I was always a bit different from my peers growing up, I always tried to go against the grain. Not different as in ...bad different, but just, different. Instead of being a bio major like what my parents wanted me to do, I became an engineer, now a sociology major. My best friends, I feel, are also a bit different, so perhaps we find some kind of unspoken bond in that regard.

Maybe what I'm trying to say is that as unique as we try to become, we always attempt to find a need of sameness, of connection with another. So perhaps it is in our differences that we come together.

I have the funniest parents

I swear I have the funniest parents sometimes. I wish I could just record them and show it to them years later. The thing is, they don't mean to be funny, but when I think about it and tell my friends, I just can't help but laugh. Sometimes I just want to and put some of this stuff on mymomisafob.com or mydadisafob.com.

On a digression, I recently found out about fmylife.com. Another past time of mine of which I can probably add one or two things to.

Anyhow, last night, I was talking to my dad. I talk to my dad once in a blue moon, the topics usually revolve around two things - school or my future. Lately, it has been more of the latter due to my graduation date quickly approaching.

"So son, how's school?"

"Oh it's good."

"Okay. So...do you have a girlfriend?"

"Nope."

"Why not?"

"Well...It's compli..."

"What? No girlfriend? Do you need money? How much do you need? I'll give it to you. You need to find yourself a girlfriend son." Then he goes on how I need to pay for the girl, but not all the time. Oh dad.

I also have a funny story about my mom from awhile back. I'm walking downstairs into the kitchen to get some breakfast. I see my mom just staring at me.

"Son, I have a question?"

"Yes?"

"Are you gay?"

"No?"

"Are you sure? I haven't seen any girls in awhile. And...you're a cheerleader and and...you have boys coming into your room late at night. I mean, I love you regardless...I just want grandchildren."

"First of all, just because I'm a cheerleader doesn't mean anything. And my friend was plastered last night and he was in the area. But anyways, you have two other sons"

"Aiyah! You're the oldest!"

She still asks about girls from time to time.

Oh mom.