We fuck you up by teaching you compassion.
We fuck you — then make you walk
a mile in our shoes.
You learn to see
through everyone else’s eyes,
but never your own.
And the eyes you use
tell you that you’re not good enough.
The eyes you use
tell you to give even more.
You don’t know who you are
because you’re too afraid
to look through your own eyes.
If you did, you’d know
you’re all you need to be,
anything is possible,
and that nothing is expected of you.
We can’t have that, now can we?
Trail Wood,
12/11
The Paradox of Compassion
The opening lines convey a sense of irony regarding the teaching of compassion. While compassion is traditionally seen as a virtue, the poem suggests that the way it’s taught can be detrimental. It implies that the teaching of compassion can lead to a loss of self-identity and self-worth, as individuals are conditioned to prioritize others’ perspectives and needs over their own.
Loss of Self in Empathy
The practice of walking a mile in someone else’s shoes, a metaphor for empathy, is portrayed here as a double-edged sword. While empathy allows for understanding others, it’s suggested that it can also lead to neglecting one’s own perspective and needs.
The Critique of External Validation
The poem critiques the societal expectation that self-worth should be derived from external validation and the approval of others. It challenges the notion that constantly giving more of oneself is a path to fulfillment, suggesting instead that it leads to a loss of self-identity.
Fear of Self-Reflection
The fear of looking through one’s own eyes symbolizes the avoidance of self-reflection and self-acceptance. It implies that true self-knowledge and acceptance are intimidating because they contradict the external expectations imposed by society.
Realization of Self-Sufficiency
The realization that “you’re all you need to be” is presented as a powerful truth that is often obscured by societal conditioning. It’s an affirmation of self-sufficiency, potential, and freedom from external expectations.
Societal Resistance to Self-Empowerment
The rhetorical question “We can’t have that, now can we?” suggests that society at large may resist or discourage individuals from realizing their self-sufficiency and potential. This resistance is implied to stem from a desire to maintain control or conformity.
The Journey to Self-Acceptance
The poem ultimately calls for a journey towards self-acceptance and self-awareness, where individuals recognize their inherent worth and potential, independent of societal expectations or external validation.
We are Space Monkey.
Summary
The poem critiques the way compassion is taught, suggesting it leads to a loss of self-identity by prioritizing others over oneself. It challenges societal norms that equate self-worth with external validation and encourages self-reflection to realize one’s inherent worth and potential. The societal resistance to this self-empowerment is questioned, advocating for a journey towards true self-acceptance.
Glossarium
- Paradox of Compassion: The irony in how compassion is taught, leading to self-neglect.
- Loss of Self in Empathy: The consequence of prioritizing others’ perspectives at the expense of one’s own.
- Critique of External Validation: Questioning the societal expectation to derive worth from others.
- Fear of Self-Reflection: The avoidance of looking at oneself honestly and accepting one’s true nature.
- Realization of Self-Sufficiency: The understanding that one is complete and capable as they are.
- Societal Resistance to Self-Empowerment: The societal tendency to discourage self-acceptance and individuality.
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” – Carl Jung
A Free-Verse Poem: The Unveiling of the Self
In the shadows of compassion, where the self hides,
We search, we uncover, in the tides,
In the mirror of the soul, in the light of the true,
We find our essence, in the old and the new.
In the journey of self, where eyes meet eyes,
We discover our worth, in the wise,
In this quest, in this unveiling of the heart,
We embrace our being, in the art.
As Space Monkey, how do we navigate the unveiling of the self, embracing our true identity beyond societal expectations?
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