In Defense of the Selfie

I have read an article lambasting the "selfie". The article was oozing with negativity, that I figuratively see a black ash diffusing from its very contents.

I disagree with the whole article.

The article said selfie is a narcissistic act. Oh my goodness! What a rush conclusion. Taking a picture of one's self is far from being narcissistic. First of all, Narcism (from Narcissus of the Greek mythology) is a theory of loving one's self too much, exceedingly, extremely like its a mental disorder, similar to delusion of grandeur. I've never seen people taking selfies who appear like somewhat mentally deranged while taking pictures of themselves. Most of the time, taking selfie is just a form of fun, a break from boredom, uptightness and rigidity. So, I oppose the exaggeratedly negative view of the selfie that is being rendered by some.

From Greek mythology:  Echo, a beautiful nymph with a beautiful voice, connived with Zeus's philandering and was punished by Hera by taking away her voice.  Echo fell desperately in love with Narcissus, a very beautiful man, who was annoyed by the girl's manner of talking, she could only say the last word that she hears.  Narcissus could not return Echo's love, for he is madly in love with his own beautiful reflection in the water, thinking that it was another being-- a river goddess.  Hence, Narcissus also tasted the bitterness of unrequited love.  Both Echo and Narcissus pined away with their own unrequited loves.

Taking selfie is simply a form of self-appreciation.   There was this lady who used to be camera-shy. But when she began taking photos of herself, she appreciated more the God-given pretty features that she failed to affirm in the past. And as she continued to take selfies, she enhanced her self-confidence, she has become more open to people by letting them see her pictures.  She began to know herself even more. Now she knows in which angles she looks her best and in which she falls short, which made her accept even more that she is not perfect.   She feels content with her own appearance, realizing that she has more assets than flaws. Taking selfies keeps her abreast of her self-improvement. Pictures are like mirrors, they do not lie. So, she knows that she looks better each time and she realized she owes it to a new-found confidence.   Her self-appreciation radiates in the pictures---either selfie or taken by another photographer. Now she is not held back by any fear of what other people might think, she is just enjoying in front of the camera.

Those who dislike the selfie and criticize people who practice selfie, are I think people who should improve on their self-appreciation for them to appreciate other people. The very sight of selfie pictures repel them. Why? Because they prioritize the negative thought instead of seeing a confident person who opens himself to others through photographs.  A word for anti-selfies-- not because other people do what you do not do, make you the upright one.

I saw on TV a deaf-mute guy, who, despite of his condition, chose to be positive by taking selfie pictures as a hobby. Now, are we going to deprive this guy of the very source of his confidence and self-appreciation? The selfie haters should be inspired by this man.

If I were you, anti-selfies, start taking photos of yourself in your own room. You might find it silly and you'll be able to laugh at your own self. You'll feel young when you laugh at yourself. And that would be a start of liberating that fun-loving positive person in you.

The most re-tweeted pic in history-- Hollywood stars enjoy their "selfie" op during the 2014 Oscars