Not the best, just better than myself.

Fact : I've been ridiculed for listening to Honey Singh's music. 

Two years ago, in the 10th grade, I had an absurd music taste. I say "absurd", not because I find it so, but because I was constantly told this, and thus was conditioned to believe the same. Whenever I was questioned about WHY I had an affinity for an artist that makes music of absolutely no substance, my answer was simple: "It's because I can dance to it."

This, apparently was not an accurate justification, because it wasn't a dramatic one. No, this music did not evoke intense, heartfelt sensations. No, it didn't hit my emotions like a train wreck. It didn't bring back a plethora of relatable emotions or memories (for obvious reasons and you'll understand if you've ever paid close attention to his lyrics).It just made me want to let my hair down whilst finding compatibility with the beats. Yes, I can see the look of disapproval on your face. I didn't have the best taste in music, but what, in actuality, is "best"?  

By definition, it is something which is 'of the most excellent and desirable type of quality'. This word automatically implies a sense of competition, to constantly outwit anyone else that might be or might possess something that fulfills our idea of the 'finest'. Of course, this is extremely important, because attainment of satisfaction might stagnate progress and thwart one from discovering more. But more often than not, we tend be blinded by our definition of what is the 'best' and any taste that simply isn't congruent with our seemingly 'superior' one, just won't cut it. In short, mockery is more convenient than acceptance.

 Someone being essentially ‘different’ than us has more chances of being bullied than someone who isn’t. Views that seem alien to our beliefs are rejected and you’re already aware of how Aristole, Louis Pasteur and Amedeo Avogadro’s theories and breakthrough ideas were dismissed at first, following a worldwide embrace later on. I can’t begin to imagine how frustrating it would have possibly been to come up with an idea that stemmed from utter passion and brilliance, but being disregarded for seeming fallacious.

To put it differently, don’t you absolutely detest it when someone consoles you by stating a ridiculous notion of someone’s problems being worse than yours? Your struggle is different, and so is your perception of the same. A daily hassle for you might be a life event for someone else. No battle is big or small and no struggle can be compared to any other, because it isn’t like any other. It all depends on your outlook and perception is, of course, subjective. I know it looks like I’ve digressed massively from what we seemed to be talking about (we’ve trekked all the way from Honey Singh to Aristole), but my point here is, being so inherently different in our tastes, thoughts, behaviors and beliefs, how do we so conveniently challenge a concept that is not compatible with ours?

No, you are NOT better than me for pursuing a more promising career choice than me. No music taste is superior, you’re allowed to listen to whatever you feel like without terming it as a ‘guilty pleasure.’ Go ahead, post the series of selfies you took the other day, you’re allowed to invite judgments of ‘being self-obsessed’ without giving a shit about it. Flaunt parts of your body that you’re most confident about, even if you might not fit the society’s distorted idea of ‘beautiful’. Voice out that seemingly laughable and ludicrous doubt or idea in class. You’re allowed to strive to be better than the person you were yesterday, but dare you pull someone down for desperately trying to be their ‘best’. I've posted my  insignificant interpretation of  this 2 year old incident anyway, knowing that it probably doesn't make sense in the least. Remember that the world is yet to revel in all that you are and all that you dream to be. The easiest way to inhibit this celebration is to come dressed as someone else to the the party. 

Fact : I don’t listen to Honey Singh anymore, but you’re going to see me singing along and restraining some awkward dance moves the next time it plays,anyway.