I hereby decree

 

I hereby decree that everyone should read Why Being "Indie" is a Bunch of Bunk. It does a wonderful job of putting to words what has been a feeling of mine for a while. I do not think that being "Indie" is bad, but I agree with the articles main sentiment, that instead of buying your identity one should live it. From the article:

"Free yourself from being defined by what you buy or do not buy. Define yourself by the things you cannot purchase: values, ethics, and what you actually do. Let your actions speak louder than your ironic message tee. Want to be truly independent from mainstream society?

• Use your free time to serve people, not numb you[r] mind with entertainment.


• Be virtuous


• Be courteous


• Stop "finding yourself" and embrace commitment and responsibility


• Don't wear outdoorsy apparel, go camping


• Don't spend big bucks to look like you shop at a thrift store, actually shop at one


• Don't be ironic and sarcastic, be sincerely passionate


• Don't just buy clothes and cell phones that support a charity, become charitable


• Don't just buy a political bumper sticker, get involved in politics


• Stop being a boy and man up"

So, this is from the Art of Manliness blog and is therefor directed at men, but I think it has a more general application as well.