A Preparation of Impromptu Remarks

Due to curiosity and boredom, I decided to take one of those long global personality tests. After answering way too many questions I was informed that my scores indicate I am most likely liberal, non-religious, and more intellectual than the less ‘independent’ scorer. Why? Well, apparently because I disdain platonic, overtly materialistic things and do not conform to pop culture. According to this non-biased test, typically liberals and atheists have those traits as opposed to their narrow minded, pop-culture-loving, conservative (and religious) counterparts. Oh, the society we live in… just shows how biased everyone is against those who believe in God and have conservative values. ‘Cause you know those conservatives – they’re all gas chugging, tree killing, valueless, crusader idiots. Liberals – a.k.a. Angelina Jolieites – on the other hand, hate the evil Fox News, only read New York Times (making them open minded, duh) and are saving the world by planting trees and adopting children and puppies! OBVIOUSLY, that is the way to make a difference and be an individual. The way to be a true intellect. At least that’s what the media would like you to believe. Quite twisted. But I suppose it will always be like that. And no, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with adopting children and planting trees…

This test also informed me that I am more likely to know about indie artists and films as opposed to the conservative individuals out there, thus putting me into the ‘intellectual’ and ‘artistic’ category. I think it’s extremely laughable that people are considered open minded (a.k.a. intelligent) because they watch bizarre movies and listen to music that the average person doesn’t know about. Yes, I know this is just a stupid quiz. However, I have found that it is quite in line with the stereotypes prevalent today. This isn’t to say that it’s wrong to be into those venues – it is just hypocritical to use it as a basis for judging someone’s character. Mostly because a lot of popular indie bands/movies are just as crude as popular non-indie bands/movies (just as there are decent ones on both sides as well). Just because one might rebel against the norm, does not mean that they’re in on some secret and have a higher IQ and/or more wisdom than those who can’t list off the names of indie filmmakers. So what makes one movie or music group better than the other (according to the implications of this test)? Hint: Not it’s quality. Either: A) It’s popularity and/or crudeness (you know, what the religious-conservatives like) or B) It’s ‘individuality.’ Correct answer according to the test is ‘B’. Individuality is a great thing, don’t get me wrong. But to use it as a platform for determining ones’ level of conformity and intelligence is completely ridiculous. Especially since the ‘individuality’ I’m talking about is a complete label in itself with predetermined “indie” interests/hobbies/whatever. To use ones’ acquaintance with the “independent” realm to gauge their level of enlightenment is so pointless. And dumb. Shouldn’t there be other important traits involved such as, I don’t know, quality? Wholesomeness?

My results made me chuckle because contrary to what the results told me, I am a ‘religious’ person (although I consider my faith to be a religion that is based on a relationship) and have pretty conservative values. So if I’m a conservative and/or a religious person I’m a conformist? Well, yes… according to this advanced analysis. However, despite the fact that I am a ‘conformist’ according to the test’s presuppositions, it told me otherwise! Interesting. I guess I’m just an anomaly: Conservative Christian who disdains the platonic and doesn’t like being told what to do by society. I thought that was impossible… wow – shock. Unlike the typical liberal, I don’t have the do-what-makes-you-happy mindset. I feel there should be set standards and morals, but also know that the world we live in today is totally incapable of maintaining them as we have created a society in which everyone can be right. Or as Evan Sayet would say, “There truly is no standard for truth and beauty.” That’s the crux. But more on that later. Also, I feel I should mention that I am totally in the dark when it comes to films and music. I listen to what I like. I watch what I like. I don’t let what’s popular at the moment influence my taste, but that doesn’t mean I’m a liberal-atheist. And don’t get me wrong… but isn’t it typically the liberal-minded that are generating those magazines that rave about, you know… crap? Oops. I suppose I’m being narrow minded by blaming it on the liberals. I just contradicted my test scores again. Oh well.

Wow. Mixed messages I am receiving from this world.