“It is only too true that a lot of artists are mentally ill- it’s a life which, to put it mildly, makes one an outsider. I’m all right when I completely immerse myself in work, but I’ll always remain half crazy.” ~ Vincent van Gogh.
One of the clichés of modern society is that when we see a stranger smiling for too long, most of us think he/she is crazy. This says something about our society. We associate happiness with mental illness, we equate politicians with leadership and famous people as role models, so I guess we only get what we deserve.
The thing is, many of us also think there’s something not quite right about people we associate with regularly, but we tend to give them the benefit of the doubt. I’m sure there’s at least one person in your neighborhood or social circle with a slightly louder than normal laugh or weird reactions. That person might be you. Because you or the neighbor who does not socialize is a little less bizarre than the foul-smelling homeless person who talks to himself all day, you are considered simply eccentric.
We are quick to label and we are programmed in society to see things a certain way. Whatever it is, you find yourself thinking “there’s something just not quite right about that person”. While it’s often easy to identify the behavior of crazies and eccentrics, it’s worth considering that plenty of our own habits probably seem pretty strange to others.
image from http://philip.greenspun.com
Though obsessive compulsive cleanliness or a grueling fitness regime is considered normal by society, the only thing that really separates them from a crazy person muttering to himself in the park is a very thin line.
So I reckon that, when that guy with the messy hair and rotten teeth smiles at you on the bus, you should never be too judgmental. Maybe even give him a smile back. If he won’t leave you alone, tell him you’re an alien.
Enjoyable write! 
Welcome to Authspot, the spot for creative writing.
Read some stories and poems, and be sure to subscribe to our feed!
