Ask Your Question today
Everyone likes to think they are unique individuals. But I think this only applies to people whose individuality has negative effects, like being shunned or ridiculed.
Nah. Your bitterness is warping your perception of people.
True individuality is to be honest with oneself (whether good or bad), and do what's true to you. If your actions are harmless, but ridiculed because it's "different," then be proud in your craft, because you're not trying to blend in or be someone you're not to gain attention. Too many people lie to themselves. Too many people do things to gain the approval of others when the only opinion that matters is your own.
I think I understand what you're saying. People who are always viewed positively might just be trying to appease the majority. But that isn't always the case. Some people just have really popular opinions. That doesn't mean they're not unique individuals.
Everyone is an individual, bottom line. No two people are exactly alike, though they may have a few things in common with each other. It's more to me like the issue is you only like people who have been shunned, ridiculed, jaded, etc. Either you're attracted to the outcasts, or you relate to them on a personal level and have a cliquish mindset. Or both. Which I can totally understand. It used to be that I'd only get "in" with the "out" crowd, but as I've matured I have come to respect everyone for who they are, and I've been able to reach out to others because I've found that they too are unique and interesting people, and oftentimes I have experiences or interests in common with people I wouldn't expect.
I think the next step up in maturity from this is when you realize that what you are is not diminished (or increased) by comparison with others. Ego is on a different continuum than talent.
You may even realize that all along the only reason you wanted to be creative was to get that praise from others, and it isn't something that comes natural to you after all, or something you would want to do if no one would ever look at it.
The good thing is there are probably lots of sides to yourself you've never thought to explore, that someday you'll love. It does no good to have such a narrow focus. If one thing really is your best thing, you'll continue to be compelled by it (and to bring this comment full circle, your interest in whatever this thing is won't be diminished by your interest in other things - in fact it will be strengthened).
But now I'm running off on a tangent. Just some related thoughts.