So a few weeks ago, I was in Hong Kong.
As I was walking through the airport, I saw this …
They are literally a walking cliche.
Then I got thinking about it and I asked myself what would the alternative be … a t-shirt announcing they’re studying the effects of copious amounts of drink, drugs and sex?
What would I think of someone wearing that t-shirt?
We are so quick to group people into 2 groups and yet its all bollocks isn’t it.
Those kids might study hard but it doesn’t mean they don’t have a life.
And kids getting off their tits on booze doesn’t mean they aren’t interested in life.
But we don’t like to acknowledge that, we like defining people by the cliches that make us feel better for the situation we’re in.
Rich people must be bastards.
Northerners are not as clever as Southerners.
Tiger Moms lack empathy, warmth and understanding.
BOLLOCKS BOLLOCKS BOLLOCKS.
And planners are the worst.
So much of what we do is defining – and giving a name – to groups of people that fit a certain attribute or stereotype that we want to ‘sell to a client’ while ignoring the fact that the reality is these people have many more sides to them than that single attitude.
It all makes me a bit sick to be honest which is why after I took this photo, I actually stopped them – and under the guise of doing some research – asked them a few questions about their favourite subjects, music and ambitions.
Only for them to fuck up this post by responding with …
“Maths, Mozart’s piano concerto 27 and becoming a surgeon”.
Kids today. Pah!
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PS: Sorry about using ‘Mom’ instead of Mum. It makes me feel ill too.