The question of people acting out of character has fascinated me recently because I’ve been noticing a lot of celebrities (regular celebrities, sports celebrities, political celebrities, etc.) say and do things that would either seem are completely unlike them or should be unlike them, and I’m starting to question the assumption I’ve always had that this is an abnormal phenomenon.
From Arthur Miller (the author of The Crucible) encouraging witch hunts to the Daily Stoic throwing around premature psychological condemnations (quite unstoically), it’s like I can’t watch something without hearing about someone doing something unheard of (for that person) every few days. I am an avid football fan and they’re known for being very passionate about left-leaning politics (not judging). A few nights ago, a few of them got a touchdown and randomly started celebrating with the “Trump dance” (yes, Trump has a trademarked dance now, like the Fortnite dance, also not judging that either). Sometimes I see this in regular people too. My old uni teacher for example is very lenient and otherwise never issues punishments to classmates that last more than a few days, but a week ago someone accidentally dropped a book on someone’s lunch and she kicked him out of the class entirely. It was like watching that one Simpsons scene at the bar.
Do you see any moments like these from time to time? What’s the most severe example of someone you know momentarily acting out of character?
My father, who was generally a very jovial man and pretty fun, once threatened to beat me with a shovel because I wanted to take a break to rest.
He died of brain cancer about two years ago and I often wonder how long it was growing.
Everyone acts differently in public than in private. Most of your examples are very public people, with even more pressure to present a persona.
A classic example is some people become violent when drunk. It’s not the drug that makes them violent.
Not someone I know, but myself. I’m desperate for some kind of connection, and I don’t understand a lot of things that are happening to me. It’s like the sensitivity has been dialed up to maximum levels. I’ve been taking things personally that really shouldn’t bother me. It could be due to sleep deprivation, but I’m weary of assigning a cause to things I don’t fully understand. I just notice it happens on days when I don’t get enough sleep, or I exert myself too much the day before. There’s definitely a cause that I feel is external, but I also need to take responsibility for allowing it to continue. I could have gone to bed earlier last night, but I didn’t, and I really felt it this morning.
Burnout?
Burnout… I just need a hug
Times will get better fam, make sure you’re putting yourself first
Thanks, I really appreciate the kind words
