"Misunderstood"

Today in English class we breached many topics under the primary theme of identity. One of the topics we touched was in regards to the high school cafeteria. In one of the articles we read by Emily White called, High School's Secret Life she referred to the "cliques" in high school as "tribes". In class, this sparked our own recognition of her analysis. Noting the redundant pattern amongst American high school students of clothing conformity. Basically, what you wear, is what you are. God forbid a pretty girl in pink is seen talking to a black haired Anime geek. This observation and conclusion about high school student interaction got me thinking about what I did wrong or did right depending on your "tribe". Now, I've always been a "label whore", grew up in Shrewsbury NJ, nothing I or my mother could have done to subdue that. In that town if you don't have a Gucci bag you're an outcast. Even when I reached high school I could never understand why the "populars" hated me or wouldn't give me a shot. I mean I dressed like them for the most part. I drive a 96' BMW. Didn't matter, I was missing the lisp I guess. Now mind you this is all after I had moved out of yuppie hell and attended Southern Regional. Much easier to keep up with their social economics. Yet, I was still rejected by the "populars", even draped in Ralph Lauren. During class today, I was reminded that I am a "freak". In a good way though.. During school, I would be dressed in designer labels and talk to the World of War Craft geeks about how I enjoy Command and Conquer Red Alert 2 over War Craft. I would debate with AP Government kids. I'd switch up my labels for my Pink Floyd shirt from time to time. However, I had realized for a very long time that I had nothing in common with the "Louis Vuitton girls" and despite the fact I can keep up with them and had done modeling, I hated them. A bunch of closed minded unapproachable biotches. However, I would wonder from time to time what was wrong with me? Why did girls want to fight for no reason? Or make sly remarks? Why would I get puzzled looks when I entered my CAD class? Jealousy and admiration perhaps? It wasn't until my senior year I found a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson that I felt a complete connection and justification with. And it just so happens to be my blogs title. "Is it so bad, then, to be misunderstood? Pythagoras was misunderstood, and Socrates, and Jesus, and Luther, and Copernicus, and Galileo, and Newton, and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh. To be great is to be misunderstood". When I heard this my self-image and confidence changed. No longer did I feel like a freak, I realized I was simply unique. I hold a more mature perspective on life to be able to stand up and say no to the "popular" disassociation of us "uniques". No longer did I feel like a "poser" for wearing what I wanted to wear. So thank you Mr. Emerson for enabling me to be "Misunderstood".