Most of you know me as a cynical person, which I absolutely am. But most of you might be surprised to know that I don't think of myself as pessimistic. These two attitudes are not incompatible. The origin of the philosophy of Cynicism comes from a Greek sect that believed good is obtained by reason, self-sufficiency, and self-control. Of course, Cynics didn't believe most people exhibited these traits and instead were selfish and dishonest, so they thought pretty negatively of humans on the whole. I tend to concur.
Somehow, though, the modern version of cynicism -- small c -- extends this negativity toward events and outcomes, not just people, so it gets linked to pessimism. And here is why I am a cynic but not a pessimist: I believe that good things will happen if people do good things. But this doesn't mean that I am an optimist. I do not believe that good things will happen just because you really, really, really want them to.
And this is why I really, really, really hate those inspirational sayings that get passed around the internet. They typically promote good results without any expressed good action. The slogan that most gets my goat is "Follow your dream." It's a nice sentiment about something good happening, but it doesn't give you any indication of what good actions you can, should, or must do to achieve it. From this poster, I can only deduce that it has something to do with staring up at clouds and screwing around with fonts.
Somehow, though, the modern version of cynicism -- small c -- extends this negativity toward events and outcomes, not just people, so it gets linked to pessimism. And here is why I am a cynic but not a pessimist: I believe that good things will happen if people do good things. But this doesn't mean that I am an optimist. I do not believe that good things will happen just because you really, really, really want them to.
And this is why I really, really, really hate those inspirational sayings that get passed around the internet. They typically promote good results without any expressed good action. The slogan that most gets my goat is "Follow your dream." It's a nice sentiment about something good happening, but it doesn't give you any indication of what good actions you can, should, or must do to achieve it. From this poster, I can only deduce that it has something to do with staring up at clouds and screwing around with fonts.
Of course, that hasn't stopped the phrase from becoming a cliché, the kind we cynics tend to hate, as it reveals the superficiality of humans. Here are just a few ways this unique idea has been spread throughout the world:
- In song by young American artist Cymphonique, little sister of Lil' Romeo, and by Filipina Sheryn Regis, a first runner-up in the Voice of Asia competition (which was then covered by young Filipina upstart Maria Aragon)
- In art through an ink print by Anna Nielsen
- In literature with the memoir of Irish singer Daniel O'Donnell
- In humanitarian work through foundations based in the United States and Britain
- In social causes promoted by a dog shelter for border collies and shelties in Pennsylvania
- In government programs such as a statewide "aspirational strategy" in Western Australia
- In charitable missions like the "President's Theme" of the Lions Club for 2013-14
- In private initiatives including BBC's job-search-help website
Don't even get cynic me started on a related online game for girls, a "job search" that involves an "assistant" finding things for her boss in a messy room -- as if that is every little girl's dream. But the slogan is so popular, it must be working for someone, right? Unequivocally wrong. And now, let me explain to you why this saying is rubbish semantically, grammatically, and logistically.
First up is the last word "dream." It doesn't measure up, no matter how you semantically slice it. Although I might like to follow the REM kind -- those involving lost loved ones come to mind -- I have yet to master the art of not waking up. As far as I know, modern science has not yet managed to come up with a cost-efficient way for me to eternally slumber with Benedict Cumberbatch -- in my dreams, of course.
Okay, I know in this slogan, "dream" refers to the wakeful kind, a sort of passion or goal. But here's the problem with that meaning: Not everyone knows what he or she wants to be when he or she grows up. Frankly, I still don't. And even if they do, those goals often are not realistic. If so, I would be well on my way to becoming an astronaut-veterinarian right now. Other passions are not possible because they don't provide enough for your biological needs to stay alive. This girl's dream of being a barefoot balloon sprinter is nice, but it's sure not going to pay the bills.
Okay, I know in this slogan, "dream" refers to the wakeful kind, a sort of passion or goal. But here's the problem with that meaning: Not everyone knows what he or she wants to be when he or she grows up. Frankly, I still don't. And even if they do, those goals often are not realistic. If so, I would be well on my way to becoming an astronaut-veterinarian right now. Other passions are not possible because they don't provide enough for your biological needs to stay alive. This girl's dream of being a barefoot balloon sprinter is nice, but it's sure not going to pay the bills.
On to the second word, "your," whose grammatical ambiguity gives people false hope. This possessive pronoun can be either singular or plural, based on context. It's misleading to let a person think that his or her dream is his or hers alone, that there is no competition for a certain achievement. In fact, many other people often stand in the way of one's dream. Just ask any Cumberbabe.
So the use of the phrase in this poster is particularly silly, especially if you know the origin of "Keep Calm" propaganda. I'm pretty sure Britain thought the Nazis were some serious competition; after all, it nearly invaded Germany. (Admit it, the drive to stop Hitler makes your dream feel pretty lame, doesn't it?)
So the use of the phrase in this poster is particularly silly, especially if you know the origin of "Keep Calm" propaganda. I'm pretty sure Britain thought the Nazis were some serious competition; after all, it nearly invaded Germany. (Admit it, the drive to stop Hitler makes your dream feel pretty lame, doesn't it?)
The presence of competition is especially true because many people dream of becoming the "best" at something. This superlative implies that there are at least two other people in the world with the same dream -- and therefore you must defeat them. If you want to be the best barefoot balloon sprinter in the world, you're going to have to beat little miss Tralala up there. Is crushing other people's dreams part of your dream? Shame on you.
And finally, let's get to that imperative verb "follow." It sounds so simple, like follow the directions. Except the logistics of most dreams are like putting together a nuclear reactor from IKEA with the instructions written in Chinese and tools made from putty. Surely we all know that it's not always easy to construct your goals. Yet "follow" omits any implication of sacrifice and compromise, those pesky literal and figurative costs. Instead, the path to your dream is just a walk in the park -- or a stroll on a country road, if you examine this picture. When really, what is right over the rise might be just a lovely sunset -- or a nuclear explosion.
And finally, let's get to that imperative verb "follow." It sounds so simple, like follow the directions. Except the logistics of most dreams are like putting together a nuclear reactor from IKEA with the instructions written in Chinese and tools made from putty. Surely we all know that it's not always easy to construct your goals. Yet "follow" omits any implication of sacrifice and compromise, those pesky literal and figurative costs. Instead, the path to your dream is just a walk in the park -- or a stroll on a country road, if you examine this picture. When really, what is right over the rise might be just a lovely sunset -- or a nuclear explosion.
And even if the directions aren't difficult, they aren't always straightforward. "Follow" sounds so easy, like follow the leader. But if you do that, you're following someone else's dreams, aren't you? And I'm pretty sure that's not what the slogan is meant to inspire you to do. You could find a mentor to guide you, I suppose, like Alice following the rabbit down the hole. But everybody knows that damn bunny doesn't know where to go. If it were that simple, we wouldn't need an inspirational poster, now would we? Simply put, not every dream comes with a clear path. For example, how exactly does one become a professional critic of inspirational messages?
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