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In this forum often times people bring up aspects of differentiation with how we develop. Some take it to supernatural ideas that they are vampiric by birth, others will go a more spiritual route of being Indigo Children.

What in our development in modern society dictates that we must each be special? It seems from the various conversations that most people are trying to define themselves apart from others and humanity in the attempt to stand out.

Some in our society have blamed Shakespeare for the adulterated status of Everyman, still some view it as a coping tool for individualism. With how generic, and in some instances anti-social these "abilities" are, why is it in alternative social groups that these beliefs seem to be more acceptable?

Is it our constant desire to fit in? It should be considered that even here, people express themselves through means that are acceptable to the gothic, vampiric and sci-fi communities. In our differences, are we not in some way just confirming our own humanity by expressing our want to be an individual which in turn makes us more like each other?

I think the way ideas them selves are being discussed dictates such high level of expression/identification about them in the minds of the people.

It is what is popular around, and one is mentally adopting such expressions/ideas, and so further identifies publicly.

It's human nature to want to "fit" in and indeed without that drive societies would almost surly not exist. Be it your single real friend or your 19,854 Myspace peps the desire be part of something is just about as strong as the desire to have kids.

The modern push to be "special" makes me fearful for the future of humanity, the West in particular. We are all different and equal in the eyes of God and the Law but thats where the line ends.

"I'm a unique individual so I should get my own TV show" or "It's what I feel because I'm me and thats all that matters." is such a dangerous way of thinking. Part of it is due to the fact that we have talentless stars like Paris Hilton making a couple million a year and we think "why not me" and the other part is this push from the extreme left.

"Everyone's a winner" and removing the need for competition, uniqueness by personality as opposed to birth-right etc.

I hope I'm getting my point across and not sounding to much like an elitist ass but I really believe that when we let emotions, feelings, desire etc. be our only source of pride and drive to be better we forget to use talents and intelligence (everyone has one or both but not to the same degree. So, no you can't be a best selling author(or much of anything) if you say "hay wat up, how r u 2nite" ).

We are not all winners in equality and we are not all special in the same way as others. Yes we are all unique and perhaps "special" ,in a way, but not to the same degree as others. Perspective is what we lack in this world.

well I feel we are all different and unique in our own way that is what makes Everyone Special. yet we do not need to wave a flag and say Look at me, Look at me... I am special because of this or that LOL I mean everyone want to stand out and if they actually think about it they do just by being themselves.... Individuality is what makes us all Special....

Just how I look at it, cause everyone can do something that another may not be able to or better or whatever. We are all unique in our own ways.... and should love ourselves for that very fact..

I mean every life we touch we make a difference we may not know when , where, how, yet life is a ripple effect and we are SPECIAL for just being human and who we are in everyday life.

I agree with xzavier, everyone may be special or unique in their own ways, but they're special to a degree and may not be as special as someone else.
I believe that people feel the need to say that they're something they're not, to belong to something. They claim to be star children or indigo children for attention, so people will think they're special and more valuable to the world than what they really are.

perhaps in a way that we all want to fit in so badly that we feel if we make ourselves unique in whatever way we can that we will find the group that allows us to fit in. In doing that I think we do force our humanity out into the open for all to see. It then becomes the individuals ability to have said humanity while fitting in without being comnsidered part of "normal" society. In making themselves or ourselves stand out in such a way that people cant help but notice that we are there.

does that make since or did i just totally make myself sound like a complete idiot?

Darkfaire, you make sense to me.

In our differences, are we not in some way just confirming our own humanity by expressing our want to be an individual which in turn makes us more like each other?

Yes, which is why I've grown to prefer marginal acceptance wherever I go.

Ok didn't Xzavier and Warriorinhell say pretty much the same thing just in their own "SPECIAL WAY?" LOL I agree with them on all counts...

to me we are all special already just in different ways is all....

–adjective
1. of a distinct or particular kind or character:
2. being a particular one; particular, individual, or certain:
3. pertaining or peculiar to a particular person, thing, instance, etc.; distinctive; unique.
4. having a specific or particular function, purpose, etc.
5. distinguished or different from what is ordinary or usual.
6. extraordinary; exceptional, as in amount or degree; especial: special importance.
7. being such in an exceptional degree; particularly valued: a special friend.

by definition we are all special

Every mortal human being is different. We all want to be special in such of way that will make us happy.

Xzavier said: "Everyone's a winner" and removing the need for competition, uniqueness by personality as opposed to birth-right etc."

I have wondered about this somewhat recent change in the mindset of Americans at least, since it removes the need to push yourself to excell. That is one of the things I think that makes us "special" to begin with, our heart and desire to do something or be something more than what is generally expected.

We seem to be siphoning off the desire for artistic people to push themelves in all their forms instead following the same pattern that is currently successful.

The need to feel special in some way I think was taught to us from our very cradles until it's now one of our basic human needs.

We are all special in our own ways it is our choice whether or not to voice it. Society pushes us to say that we are and in turn we are breeding a future of individuals who care more about themselves then the world as a whole.

Is it about ego? Do we feel we need to shine a light upon ourselves to make us feel better about who we are?

Role Play Carries a sample of exaggerated ego, it also builds group dynamics, people sometimes go well past blurring the character they play, perhaps cling to the one element in their character that went underdeveloped in their growing social relations. When an avenue is created for them to relate heavier to an altered role they are likely to accept, they are then able to interact (on a surface conversation pre-set) regardless of their social short coming, like their Role Character fills in for the "shy Girl/Boy they are.

To excel is the key, one can claim to be special all they want. But to set ones self apart from others one must be active in there ability, picture the mother of an" indigo child", talking with the mother of a GATE child.. claiming her child is gifted, "So ask the GATE mother is your child in excellerated learning classes?" "No, he is just so gifted" Replies the "indigo mother". I see so many people that brag so much their child.. it really sickens me, especially when they do so in fromnt of the child, or encourage the child to express their perceived difference.. yet the child lacks basic social skills for a child their age, perhaps eve they are lead to believe (by hack unaccredited shrinks) that they are "infact" special and gifted.. when parents with children of promise are raising their child to maximize their talent, and expanded learning, to grow into a world, rather then be told they are to inheirit the world (as Star and indigo children parents are lead to believe..

Genius is scoffed in such a society. Every one gets a ribbon.. Kills Individuality, why stand out when everybody is a winner, and no body has to do anything but show up.. .. hear that.. that is the sound of a world without encouragement to excel.

I love to look at a busy street full of people and think to myself, "every one of them thinks they are special".
I think we must tell ourselves that we are special and unique, because it gives us motivation. No one likes to accept that they are a normal and boring part of the crowd. Do you feel better when you think to yourself that you are special and different, or that you are just a person like everyone else?
Even those who try to stand out or try not to conform by dressing goth or whatever style, does so but ends up fitting into a different societal clique. People tend to slip into one category or another, whether consciously done or not. Humans are complex and yet simple creatures.
The trick is, finding what sets some people apart, that other people might view them as special, different or truely unique.

you have a nice point.. but of all the people in the world goth, vampire, or anything else, i think the handicapped are the most special creatures on this earth.. The gods left them all here for a reason.. Maybe to teach us all on how to be more like them??

sniff.. got me.. sniff..

I look back on my day every night and I ask "What did I do today to stand out, if not stand out then make an unnoticed difference in the world around me, and how can I do so tomorrow. It is not the uniqueness of the person it is the special actions they are capable of performing, ones that are practiced and honed through study of skill, and relating that skill to the environment around you.

Xzavier: "We are not all winners in equality and we are not all special in the same way as others. Yes we are all unique and perhaps "special" ,in a way, but not to the same degree as others. Perspective is what we lack in this world. "

I honestly fell that you have said it all in a nut shell with the last statement that you made Xzavier. We are all special in our own ways and not everyone is going to have the same ways.

some excel in a more applicable way they should be encouraged to be so, they are the professionals that back their actions with development of skill and routine. A lab tech that can concentrate for hours on hand, that is not a gift by its self, what makes that Lab Tech Special is their devotion to attention, to show that they seek to make a contribution to their world
a part in a big picture.. some have flickering moments where they appear, others encourage and advance others, they are exceptional in their determination to contribute to others they feel would benefit from their talent.

i think we are all special in our own way.
life would be way to boreing if we were all the same lol....
its just some people have the need to stand out more then others because they need to feel special in there lifes.

Special moments.. invite special people to perform. I like that idea..

Special people to me are:

Those who accept who and what they are and make the best of it;

Those who have the courage of their convictions;

Those who do not judge others for who and what they are;

Those who, without hesitation, would help others, even strangers, in a time of need--the Good Samaritan;

Those who keep their word;

Those who love unconditionally.

We all like to fit in with people and our peers but just being your ownself would draw people close to you because of the personailty that one has and how they were brought up in the upbringing. I also have to agree with xzavier on this one as well but my above comment is what makes me feel so special with others because I am my own person and my actions towards others is what brings other people towards me because of the respect that I have and would hope that I get the same in return. Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't, it all depends on the individual and how they see or treat others.

I suppose some people may feel the need to make themselves stand apart from the status quo. Perhaps they do it to feel accepted by their peers.

Others know that their friends and loved ones love them for whatever makes them unique and don't have to flaunt anything.

Quite frankly - we are all different in certain ways and all should be free to express themselves as they choose. Some people need a little more reassurance then others....

i once read a quote... "what you do is insignificant yet it is very important that you do it". In this view all people are common really and do common things that will eventually if not of great importance and even then be forgotten, yet to get where humanity is today all those common people had to do those common things in great numbers. Thus becuse where important in groups like societys, or social movements we are all special and important as idividuals. I hope i'm making sense. When i think of as really special people i think of the famous who are not soon forgotten like shakesphere or ceasar. A reason i think people want to make themeselvs like that on a small scale no one wants to be forgotten but eventually everyone will.

Well stated.. there are exceptional people as well. Yet each to their station, that is specialty by default. Because I am not you, and I cannot do as you do, but that makes us equal all the same.. if what you do, creates more recognition then you are exceptionally special, to all effected by your talent.

Like I have stated in another thread, I see many 'paranormal' gifts as talents like others have talents of singing, drawing etc...

I might be a deviant because of my paranormal expiriences but I don't think I am special for that. I just had strange expiriences that till this day I question them.

To me everyone is equal whatever they claim to be, for me everyone is a person like any other, differences are still there but I don't see anyone that much out of the ordinary.

Firstly wonderful subject.

Ok I have always been a firm believer that we are all different and individual.

I personally think in this century we are trying to break the social mould that many of us were brought up in. Because our parents were brought up that way. Change started happening in the 60s but still has yet to come to fruition. Once upon a time life and society was stereotyped. Now we don't want to be stereotyped. We want to stand out and be different, and counted as so. So many of us have grown up trying to fit our square little selves into a round peg hole that was just not made for us.

And lastly I think we have the right to count ourselves as different, as special in our own unique way. Why should we all be the same, same thoughts, same dress, same personalities. We would be robotic and passion, art, music, poetry it will all die a slow death.

Yes we are special in our own way. But by us all being different doesn't that make us the same? I know, that was an oxymoron. Allow me to explain. If we are all different, that means that we are all alike. because we all have one thing in common, and that is that we are all different. And most of us thrive to be different. And then you have those conformist robots that think how they are told to think. Confusing isn't it? lol

This whole thriving to be differant perhaps could be a manifestation within the mind. When in childhood the, the mind seems to be bothered by thoughts of ridicule, heartbreak, and just plain not fitting in. Happens to all within the social structure.

I find it quite patronizing though, to call anyone special just because they have a certain gift, whether it be mental, spiritual or physical.

Society may find excuse after excuse for the apparent "I am special" attitude when it comes to the daily atmosphere within the individuals persona or psychie. But still, one must deal with the negotiations of the mind either way, whether fabricated or based on geneological or hereditary ties.

i try not to be like anybody, as most likely show. i don't steal ideas. i don't take how people turn and switch it around into my own story.
i'll admit, i'm not fully developed in that stage of my life. i'm still turning. i'm not at the stage of turn where i experience extreme bloodlust or transformation. i do have the need for blood, and if now, i get quite roudy. i have developed the need for protection from UV. i got the acute hearing and my strength is kicking up there.
i dunno.

To begin with I do not consider that modern society dictates that we must each be special. Encouragement to achieve and the drive to do so is found within your self and those around you with the same mindset. Whether you are born with a skill/ability or have developed one over time, acceptability of this can depend on how and where you apply it and will be picked up by what is favourable at the time.
By expressing this skill it does not define you as a human/other or set you apart, it merely show cases something which is appealing to others.

Are you suggesting that within alternative groups it is more acceptable to believe that you are special and to promote this, that you may have a skill which is not developed but due to its application within certain fields, mainstream society will consider it to be anti social? Thus creating more of a group mindset of us and them, compounding and fuelling an illusion of ability? If so, well I think people are capable of seeing past the BS whatever genre they walk in.

i dont get formality. i like just being me, why conform when being yourself is so fin awsome? i dont understand it. and people often try to fit in because theyre selfconciouss and ae scared of themselves so they act like others.

my theory is if you were made to be like that person you would be that person..

So I'm reading the post and come across Xsavier's post. STOP He is expressing my feelings exactly, wow! Why is it some people think they deserve, just cause they think Life owes them something. I have had to work for everything I have.No trust fund baby here. We are all special. Our uniqueness comes from our ability to be compassionate, humble, respectful, caring beings.

We are all individuals but that doesn't garantee special, to be special one must do or be something beyond the average. While many wish to be special, it's not that easy to accomplish and some enjoy simply being unique.

Wanting to be acknowledged as special, as opposed to just being personally unique (whether others notice or not).

Could it be that it is not what makes us special, but how we apply our special talent to our environment?

I believe that n most cases with pure pressure , teens and society all ages, even adults have to feel they want to fit , in is in our right were humans to think of such.

Human nature is very strange. They all have personalities of super-heroes, but physically, they are uncapable of doing anything really extraordinary.

It is that human beings tend to claim to be very special, impossible, unique things, in desire for improvement.

I enjoy being a regular ol' boring human. I understand where people are coming from, we hear so much about being different and special that we really do want that.

I think some people just go to the extremes and perhaps in the future, they'll look back and chuckle to themselves, thinking about how silly it was.

It is a ridiculous behavior sometimes, I've spoken to people on and offline who cling so tightly to their fantasy world that nothing can convince them to just relax and enjoy being themselves. Sometimes it's amusing to see, usually it's just amusing but disturbing to me...

To me I am special simply because I am who I am. That is not to sound like I am better than anyone else, because that is not the way I mean it. I simply mean that I am an individual with my own thoughts and feelings, as we all should be. That is what makes us special. It's our hearts and souls.

As much as humans strive to be individuals, we are by nature flock animals and our instincts are thereafter.

I think that the things people express here are in some cases a little more colourful than it would be off screen in order to feel a sense of acceptance and belonging.

Generalizations are never good in my book.
We are special in our own ways and society knocks it out of you till you conform or slip through the cracks made for you to slip through.
People calming vampirism are a very mixed bag of people so once again generalization, especial based on our perception of life can be jaundiced at best I find.
Personally iv always known what I am and only care to tell you guys and even then I find acceptance of vampirisms behavior constantly bashed on a vampire site .. go figure.
Am I special …my teachers always said that i have special needs lol

I have the occasional chance to interact with the world in a special way, it is my talent that I interact with, some use hobbies, others skill, some academic resources, yet when it comes to that moment to interact that is a special moment, with a purpose..

To Me Special people Are Those Who Pride Themselves On Being Different,
Not Caring If They Fit Into A ideal Of What Others Think To Be Ones self Regardless Of What Others Might Think.
Kinda Like Going To A Cradle Of Filth Concert In A Wife Beater And Sweats

But What Makes Me Special is The Fact That I Dress The Way I Feel Like Without Looking Like A Cookie Cut Version Of Someone Else.
I Go To Goth Clubs In Whatever Suits Me At The Time.
I Worry Not If I'm Accepted Or Not.
Hell I Dont Care If I'm Liked Or Not.
I Was Put On This Earth Al;one And I'll Go Out The Same Way.
If I Make Friends Along The Way Fine,
If Not It's No Skin Off My Nose.
And It'd Because Of That Reason That I'm Special.

No matter how much one wants to be an individualist and set apart from others, the need to fit in with others usually exceeds that.

I think we all want to find some level of acceptance, even when we feel its our difference that makes us special, We all want to feel loved and needed and to have someone who at our worst still excepts us even if they don't understand us!
Its all fine and good to say that your different and that you choose to walk your own path, but what I have learnt in the industry that I work in is, you may choose to get that piercing to express your uniqueness but you are one of thousands who are doing the same thing, and someone with more piercings or tattoos will look at you and laugh at your attempt, when little dose he know someone is laughing at him for the same reason!
Where is the line, when to one person having a single piecing is crosses it, when to another person it means nothing.

honestly? the desire to fit in somewhere is what makes everyone "special". i think it's a weak mindframe to have, and it's indicative of a very insecure way of thinking. you are special if you *make something of yourself*, not because you are born. there are a lot of people that are born and are absolutely worthless creatures and couldn't survive without a governmental program to lean upon as a crutch indefinitely.

now those programs exist for a reason, but personally, i don't think they should be used except as a last resort. instead, our society breeds bottom-feeders who have nothing better to do with their lives than live off tax payer's money because they're too lazy to work for what they want.

no, not everyone is special. if that were the case, we wouldn't be at war with other nations and we wouldn't have the societal issues that we have in every part of the world.

if everyone was special, there would be no homeless and there would be in the place of our world a utopia where all are equal. instead, the opposite is the truth.

if you want to be special then get off your rear and go do something to make yourself special. work hard and make something of your life; then i might be tempted to consider you special indeed.

I don't think I understand you Genesis are you saying the homeless are not special, that you are only "special" if you are succeeding and doing well in this life?

sahahria -

I'd like to start off with, most people are just fine being boring ole' people, like myself..believe it or not. The "special" people are very few. The only reason why one might think that everyone looks like they're psycho, is because, well, you're on VampireRave hun.

Not many folk will claim to be vampires in your corner deli.

As for your topic of discussion, I think it's just people's highly active imagination, especially the people on the internet. People just like to kick back, relax, and pretend to be someone or something for an hour or too. No harm, no foul, right?

I disagree that society wants to be different nowadays. I think the majority are just fine being themselves.

It's the kids these days who like being "vampires", "werewolves", "bats", and "emos".

Special is as special does something.. a gift is only valued when used.. so a kid gets gifted a camera, might even learn to snap a picture, yet lacks motivation to develop any skill with the camera, still the child , on to teen claims to be a photographer, yet every time someone ask to see their portfolio they have no idea what one is, all of a sudden they are suspect of that persons claim to be a photographer, if they call that person on it, the common response is (rude) "Well your just jealous because I own a good camera." "I am too a photographer, where are your pictures?"

See one can be gifted with memory yet if one never remembers something that can help in unique situations (to better the situation, or ease a situation) then what good is the persons claim to have a great memory?

When I was younger, I use to half-heartedly try to fit in...the older I get, the less I care. Like Anann said - just regular ol' me, and I'm fine with it...not attempting to wow the world with all of my 'special' accomplishments.
LOL!

hmmmm..... pick up an astrology book and read the differences in the signs.... then you'll get your answers....

I am just me,nothing "special" about me.I will not claim or boast to be otherwise then just another face in the crowd.But are we not all "special"in our own ways to someone else.?Must a person have a "gift" to be special or can it just be the compassion one holds all things beautiful at face value?Who is to decide who or what is "special"?

Special moments require those specially adapted to initiate them.

Well you know, despite all the superficial differences we may have, we are all basically the same...our needs...food, love, water, acceptance, shelter, shitting...

i dont worry about fitting in or trying to fit in either you like me or you dont im not going to try and change my ways to fit in

Everyone is "special" in their own ways..and if one wants to think they have "special" talents then what harm is there in that as long as they are not hurting another by believing it? It could be they need to feel that way in order to feel better about themselves. Maybe it is all due to an individuals interpretation of what they think "special" means.

Thank you for the comments, some of you are addressing my actual topic while many are off the mark.

Part of why I referenced Shakespeare in the initial post is because he has been blamed for the plight of "everyman" in the sense that his plays brought not just a prince or a king to the attention but the average person. By doing this the expectation of becoming more "started". In Dead Poet's Society the Teacher is told not to teach what he is because when they (the students) realize that they cannot all be poets they will hate their teacher that encouraged them.

Yet it is true special relative to the person and their interpretation of the word, and while most do try to fit into society; it does not change that we all still have something that we define as special.

Is this a hindrance? Dabbler from all of your forum posts you may think your wit or sarcasm might be special, while another may not. I could take my being a Dominar as special, while others do not. Imagesinwords could view her human flaws as special, while others would not.

That is not the point here.

It would be nice to not just state, "oh I'm not special" or "I'm special" and actually discuss the perception of being such and how that impacts placement in society. If it does change how someone is perceived, to the ideal of everyman and the those that go through life with just what they have and no complaints.

In respect to the individual yadda yadda sure but few have anything that makes them "special."

Humanity is not equal and thank the gods for it. As for Shakespeare and the plight of the avg. Joe it's is, for the most part, jealousy. Why do you think we're fascinated with movie stars and worship/hate them to our own psychosis. Why is it that being rich is evil or bad, lets tax em' all! lol

If your special you know it, if your really special you don't tell people you are.

Beside whats wrong with being a normal person? Sure it would be nice to have something which defines us as unique in the eyes of our peers and others but at the same time it's the "little people" who actually make the world go round.

I think everyones the same in wanting to be an individual. I dont have any want or need to fit in though

So are you saying my case that special is as special does, is not valid?
I am lost as to your reference to my post? I always seem to find people who claim to be gifted or talented, yet in a moment where they are able to shine they flub..

What good is a gift if it is never adapted to use?

For I have neither wit, nor words, nor worth, action nor utterance, nor the power of speech, to stir men's blood. I only speak right on. I tell you that which you yourselves do know. ~ William Shakespeare

I have never wanted or felt that I am special, and don't push it on my child to be special. I tell him everyone has their own levels of consciousness/awareness, and trying to fit in is impossible because there will always be someone who will outcast you. My mother use to tell me I was special all the time but it never change my mind that no one is really special just gifted in their own way.

Knowing that you are gifted in your own way my it be with art psychic gifts or what ever you may have just means you strive to achieve something that you think is greater than yourself but in all it is just a part of yourself.

the topic itself is very contradictive, we all strive to be different but we are all striving towards the same goal making us alike

i like to be different because people bore me as it is. i also believe that those of us who feel so strongly against humanity are awakened into this supernatural world in order to expierience new things beyond others boundaries

we arent born on who we are. but over our life shape us on who we meant to be.

I often see this on an IRC chat I mod in. A lot of the time, it is as a result of people telling young and impressionable people that they are extremely special with rare powers. I have had to deal with a few situations where extremely young people have been groomed with suggestions that they have psionic abilities or are actually a dragon in their soul.

Lonely kids really do seem to crave this attention from older people that they feel they can respect. Everyone loves being flattered I think. This can be for a variety of reasons, from wanting to make themselves more important in the community with doe eyed followers, or even for paedophilic reasons (rarer but it does happen.) It is unfortunate that this is so rife online.

As people get older, they seem to grow out of it for the most part and end up moving on, especially when new real life responsibilities like children and mortgages happen to them.

i feel alot older then a year ago. and try to help younger people. make the right desion by them you shouldnt tell them what you think they should do. but guide them

Everyone has something that makes them special or unique. Everyone has something they look for in someone that they can connect with -- something special.

If everyone was the same it would be a boring place to be.

Gahhh, this question has always baffled me!!

I think that I strive for individuality because I want to get the most out of my life. I want to live each day as if nothing can stop me and test myself to the extreme.

In my individuality I seek nothing apart from some sense of comfort.

Well stated Irony, that flattery, is most welcomed to a developing person.. the fact that only one person (or small group) recognize them as "special" is the world to a person learning social identity.

That you just are special is a fleeting thing thankfully, when one realizes it is in what you do with what you excel at, through practice and application.

Agreed upon that everyone is special, each person has their own unique things about them that makes them special. I myself ama huge people observer, maybe it is the way they love someone or go out of their way to help someone, or do a deed just because they feltb a need to do so, nothing offered nothing gained no ned for it.

Personaly I sick of hearing my kid/I'm so smart, gifted, special ect> Get over the labels were are all pretty much the same. Only special is what do you do with what you got.

As individuals we all like to think we are special in some way and if we didn’t, our self esteem would suffer intolerably. A great example is the fact that individuals post in this main forum. What are the real reasons for posting? Can we honestly say it’s solely to add to the VR database and educate people, or is it more a case of being heard or to exhibit our individual intelligence, from a soap box that often lacks the ability to acknowledge or listen to others?

Of course we are all special in some way, were most of us not told that whilst growing up? The reality is everyone has capabilities; it’s just a case of how we utilize and project that amongst our peers. Self awareness is key and it’s that which enables us to acknowledge and discover those innate qualities that make us who we are.

Thankfully we are all different and unique, emerging from diverse backgrounds that add colour and make us different within the world. Acceptance and tolerance is what enables us to acknowledge that and ironically that’s what’s makes us generically the same. Are we really more special than the next person or is it our own sense of self importance that leads us to believe that?

I think we really first started to see this trend take off in the late 80s-early 90s when dysfunctional families became a popular talk show topic, and suddenly it was in vogue to be all messed up. Diagnosed mental ailments took a huge spike because now it was not only acceptable to have issues, but desired as a way to set yourself apart. Everyone had a sad story and therefore an excuse for everything they did. If you did not have war stories from your childhood then you did not know anything about life.
I think now that has spread more into people trying to establish their individuality in order to validate themselves as a person. So often we find now that if you came from a "normal, average" home, people feel you have nothing to contribute. Forty years ago you were outcast if your parents were divorced or your mother worked, now you're just another statistic.

Mimi makes a good point, I summarize it as I have heard it before, special is in application.

If a person is told they are just special.. then some are likely to leave it at that.. never exploring what can make them a special person to others. Valued in a field (any field) makes a person talented.. what makes that person special is the application of their talent, and what special moments they create with it.

I guess we all wanna make our mark so that when we leave this world we won't be forgotten..
I don't know about anyone else here but I try to live my life so the I stand out as much as possible, so that I can be nice out of the goodness of my heart, and not just my conscience.
We all have our friends, our crowds and, someday, our own families. We want to do something amazing in our lives, however small - or big - that may be!
:)

to me it seems that people have a constant need to fit in to certain groups and depending on the situation we know to act a certain way when where around certain people when your arround a group of "goths" so to speake! you feel you need to talk like they do and they'll think ur cool and you'll be able to sit and eat w/ them at lunch we saeem to think that if you walk the walk and talk the talk you will be excepted! I guess according to councelers it's normal for teens to do so it's apart of finding out who you are the thing to really worry about is if that person starts doing something like "killing" acting shady or starts chanting experinencing bed wetting and has trouble falling asleep! that this must be a sickness or a case of demonic possession. the truth is no ones possessed and no one possesses powers it's all a BIG SHOW! a cry for attention many think that when others believe they are crazy they will be noticed which isn't far fetched when u think about it!

"You are either unique in the eyes of the unique, or you are simply delusioned."
Very good - insightful.
I guessthat as has been stated before being different is good - it strengthens the mind and makes one more accepting towards everyone.

I think everyone wants to be individual and special in someway but also fit in and conform to certain standards. Many groups of friends have a lot in common with each other but also have their individual strengths and gifts. I don't think it's possible for every person to be completely different from everyone else. If it were possible, I think it would be difficult for people to connect and interact well as they would be too different for any common ground to exist.

the only people who dont want to be differnt are thos dam smurfs. but we need to be differnt if we were all the same it would be a pretty boring world

I think for some of the subcultures they just want to be accepted. They don't want to be ridiculed for a different belief system. They don't think of themselves as "special" but more in the area of unaccepted or recieved with disdain and called delusional for their beliefs. No one has the corner on the market of truth. People rationalize what they believe is truth due to science but now that science has advanced with DNA testing certain things are happening for those with the money.

I have never heard anyone in these communitites state they are special, not the ones who have been around for awhile. I don't know about the rogue kids. We are human with a difference and that difference isn't good or bad...it just is whether some believe it or not you cannot change what thousands of people all ages are believing with a "I don't believe in that". It doesn't make them special but just trying to live in a society that has their own definitions to what is real yet they believe many things, a high percentage of them, through the major religions that could be thought of as occult activities but those are accepted.

Once you seek to be noticed as a non-conformist, you are no longer a non-conformist.

Once you seek to be accepted as an outcast, you are no longer an outcast.

I never really thought of that way... I just am me honestly.

over the years ive ment some pretty amazing people. each with unqine gifts and talents

the people ive met are great

Of course, people want to be special, fit in, and have ways about them that are impressive to other people. The things people claim are so much and so often... that in the end there's nothing special about being an Indigo child or empathic, any of what's become most popular to claim these days. There's a diluted sea of 'special' and it's just plain boring with no sparks. Turn the page~ next.

The only truly special people I know are those that just are. They have no reason to shout from the rooftops all their reasons for standing out amongst the masses.

I do not feel as if I am special nor do I wish to be .I have lived that route as a child and it is not a pleasant thing to have . yes I am different as I do not do a lot of things that most people do now a days , I do not feel that you need everything you want in order to be happy , people are too soft now and only want more things , they try to be something they are not in order to be something . try being yourself for a change you just might like it , yes I call myself witch an I am one but not like you think ,I don,t fly around on a broom and I don't cast spells on people and turn them into frogs that's for the craft and charmed ( which are not real) , Some people like to play vampires but they are just acting there is no such thing as vampires for real however there is a disease that makes you thing you are one . A friend had it and it is not pretty and you will die from it .this is the information on it. Porphyrias are a group of inherited or acquired disorders of certain enzymes in the heme biosynthetic pathway (also called porphyrin pathway). They are broadly classified as hepatic porphyrias or erythropoietic porphyrias, based on the site of the overproduction and mainly accumulation of the porphyrins (or their chemical precursors). They manifest with either skin problems or with neurological complications (or occasionally both).

The term derives from the Greek πορφύρα, porphura, meaning "purple pigment". The name is likely to have been a reference to the purple discolouration of some body fluids in patients during an attack.[1] Although original descriptions are attributed to Hippocrates, the disease was first explained biochemically by Dr Felix Hoppe-Seyler in 1874,[2] and acute porphyrias were described by the Dutch physician Prof B.J. Stokvis in 1889.[1][3]

Well as for being special, I bet if you asked 100 people why they are special, you would get 75 different answers and 25 of the same. My sons teacher has them do a picture a few yers back and it was titled what makes you specail, now asking a bunch of 8-9 year olds you get all kinds of answers.

Everyone is special in their own way. Some people try to hide who they are to fit in, but they can never change themselves.

I am here realy for a place to put my poems

that is very true you can not hide from yourself, just put on a different dress so to speak

Our Need To Be Accepted Clashes With Our Need To Be Individuals.
We Want To Keep A Certain Aspect Unique As Well As Fit In.
It Is A Double Edge Sword.

Love what ladyDark said everyone is special.. I mean that is what makes us unique.

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