how to be uncool

It’s a difficult thing, to be uncool.
At least that’s what I think as I walk through this world
Watching the hot shots and players, moving in packs.
You might think it’s harder to make it to cool,
It’s a status we all wish for, that is for sure.
But isn’t it harder to let that guard slip?
Isn’t it tougher to show your soft centre,
Your flaws and your fears?
Running in packs is easy to do,
But bounding along on your own special course,
There is danger in that and it lurks in wait.
It hides in the grasses waiting to pounce,
The moment your uncoolness opens you up
To all of the ridicule coming your way.
Better to change the stripes that you wear
To something more spotty and fierce.
You don’t want to be the next casualty
On this animal plain.
So get in your box and pretend to be cool,
The alternative choice is far less attractive,
It’s the well worn choice of every known fool.
“The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you’re uncool.”
Lester Bangs, Almost Famous
It’s like the Serengeti out there if you think about it. There are the cool kids out on the playground and they are the Cheetahs of the world. And then there are the ones like me who bound around in a world of their own. They’re not cool, but they’re having fun just being themselves.
It only takes a chink in your armour and the big cats can attack though. And they will drag you down as hard as they can because that’s how they maintain their place at the top.
You may argue that it’s really hard to become one of those cool kids, but actually it’s harder to be uncool. Because being uncool means showing all of yourself, even the really embarrassing or negative parts of yourself. There is a vulnerability in it and that takes strength.
So, you might think you want to be one of the popular kids in your workplace or church or community, but really you should be aspiring to be one of the uncool ones. That’s where the real you lies and where you will find the deepest connections with others. And that’s a wonderful place to be if you have the strength to allow yourself there.
Much Love
Rachel xx