Not Like Me

Summary

The poem "Not Like Me" reflects the author's personal struggle with internal prejudice revealed during a significant life moment, leading to self-awareness and growth.

Abstract

"Not Like Me" is a poem by Harry Stefanakis that delves into the writer's confrontation with his own unconscious prejudices. The poem and accompanying prose reveal a deeply introspective journey, sparked by an encounter that initially highlighted differences, causing the author to experience profound shame and confusion. Through introspection, the author acknowledges and embraces the less appealing aspects of his humanity, including prejudice, to achieve greater freedom and ensure his actions do not hinder others' liberties. The piece is a truncated expression of a larger, unspoken narrative, suggesting a larger exploration of the self is left for the reader's imagination.

Opinions

The author admits to a moment of prejudice, initially feeling shame and confusion about this revelation.
The encounter with perceived 'otherness' leads to a significant personal realization and a commitment to self-improvement.
The author emphasizes the importance of acknowledging all parts of the human experience, even the uncomfortable aspects like prejudice.
By facing his shadowy side, the author finds liberation and becomes more conscious of his actions and their potential impact on others' freedom.
The author suggests that by accepting his own capacity for prejudice, he is less likely to act or speak in ways that could restrict someone else's freedom.
The poem is presented as an incomplete expression of the author's experience, indicating an ongoing journey of self-discovery and reflection beyond what is shared in the text.

A Confession

This Photo Phoenix Orange Flames by C Karapanos is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

The shame — of not like me

arose — in the apartheid of

my mind — to be ended through

a glance — of virtue as seen from

the heart — and rising from the

ashes, — of my shame, I

wonder — who is saving whom

This is a deeply personal poem that in reality, I have truncated…not for you but in its writing… I could not say more than what I did, though I know there is more to be said.

I do not consider myself a prejudiced person but in one of the most significant moments of my life and in one of the most significant encounters I came face to face with this shadowy part of myself. All I saw for that first moment was difference.… and by existing at all, that moment lasted longer than I could bear. I experienced deep shame and confusion for having this experience.

I opened my heart once more beyond the shame and the perceived otherness but I am marked by it. I am now more aware of this part of me and its insecurities. I embrace it in the sense of acknowledging that “nothing human is alien” to me, including prejudice. In this way, I have found more freedom and hopefully, I am also less likely to act or talk in ways that restrict another’s freedom.

Other poems by Harry Stefanakis:

Not Like Me

A Confession

Rage and Howl

In Four Short Chapters

Found in the Moment

If you don’t lose yourself — you will find yourself

Grief’s Paradox

The station dwells where else but in the city’s bowels. I descend.

Join Medium with my referral link - Harry Stefanakis

As a Medium member, a portion of your membership fee goes to writers you read, and you get full access to every story…