Tomorrow is October 31, quite possibly the greatest day all year, provided you are one of the many people who enjoy dressing up and being silly. Liking candy also helps.
During a recent conversation with a friend of mine about costumes, we discussed the theory of internalized expression of one’s aspiration group based on their choice of attire. While my theory is that people wear costumes to the extent of their creative ability and desire for social acceptance (ie: people who want more attention dress more outlandishly, while those who are more insular or self-focused do not), he had a different idea. My friend believes that Halloween costumes reflect an aspect of what a person wants, but currently lacks, in their life. For example:
- A hobo represents the desire to live a simpler, less connected life
- A devil represents the desire to act on impulse and not be so concerned with consequences
- An astronaut represents the desire to make new achievements that are noticed by others
- A topical/political costume represents the desire for fame and to be talked about
- A lack of a costume represents the desire for a better sense of individualism
But regardless of the costume, the motivation for choosing it carries with it the idea that whatever identity the wearer is taking on, there is some aspect of it that they feel that they lack. A James Bond might wish he was more suave, or a policewoman might wish she had more authority.
What attributes do you wish that you have that are prominent in your costumed self? And, in a slight continuance of an earlier post, how can you add these characteristics to your personality and everyday life?
