Who’s Crazy And Who’s Eccentric

Summary

The article "Who’s Crazy And Who’s Eccentric" explores the nuanced difference between being labeled 'crazy' versus 'eccentric', suggesting that societal perceptions and financial status heavily influence this distinction.

Abstract

The piece reflects on the increasing polarization within society, noting that divisions extend beyond political ideologies to encompass a wide array of social, economic, and cultural issues. It recounts the author's personal journey from using the term 'crazy' indiscriminately to understanding the weight and implications of such labels. The article highlights the subtle differences between 'crazy' and 'eccentric', emphasizing that these terms, though synonymous, carry vastly different connotations based on one's financial standing. It argues that the same behavior can be deemed 'crazy' when exhibited by the less affluent, yet 'eccentric' when displayed by the wealthy. The author posits that despite our physical similarities, humans exhibit a spectrum of spiritual uniqueness and suggests that everyone possesses both 'crazy' and 'eccentric' traits. The article concludes by questioning whether it's possible to evaluate our balance of 'crazy' and 'eccentric' without using wealth as a yardstick.

Opinions

The author believes that the terms 'crazy' and 'eccentric' are unfairly applied based on socioeconomic status, with wealthier individuals more likely to be labeled as 'eccentric' for behaviors that would be considered 'crazy' in those without financial means.
There is a critique of the current state of society, which is seen as overly focused on differences and divisions, to the point where even basic human traits and needs are politicized or judged harshly.
The piece suggests that language and societal norms have a significant impact on how we perceive and label others, often without considering the deeper implications or the individual's circumstances.
The author implies that the distinction between 'crazy' and 'eccentric' is arbitrary and that perhaps there is a need to reevaluate how we use these labels, moving towards a more understanding and less judgmental society.
Through the mention of the song by Scott Linker, the author hints at the idea that creativity and non-conformity (often associated with being 'eccentric') are valuable and should not be diminished or dismissed

Who’s Crazy And Who’s Eccentric

Really, any behavior trait that was contrary to my way of thinking was tagged….

Photo by tengyart on Unsplash

Like it or not, as a country we’re more divided than ever ,it seems.

The Associated Press released the following about their recent multimedia series: “It’s no longer just republican vs. democrat, or liberal vs conservative. Its the 1% vs 99%, rural vs. urban, white men against the world. Climate doubters clash with believers. Bathrooms have become battlefields, borders are battle lines. Sex and race, faith and ethnicity…. the melting pot seems to be boiling over.” Difference seems to matter — too much.

When I was a kid I threw around the word crazy with impunity. It was a word that could be bestowed on someone who showed tremendous courage, someone who broke the rules, someone we liked or disliked because of any unusual personality trait. It was the all purpose word for describing what is now the most vilified word in the English language a — bully. Really, any behavior trait that was different or any actions contrary to my way of thinking was tagged crazy. As a kid, I was unaware of the negative medical implications of the word that might be associated with mental illness.

Although no scholar, by simply being a reluctant participant in the educational system my vocabulary eventually expanded, I inevitably discovered the word eccentric. Instead of crazy, my new go to word was eccentric. I now know the words differ slightly in meaning: crazy: 1. full of cracks or flaws: unsound 2. not mentally sound: marked by thought or action that lacks reason 3.distracted with desire or excitement: — eccentric: 1.deviating from conventional or accepted usage or conduct especially in odd or whimsical ways 2. a person who behaves in odd or unusual ways….Merrium-Webster.com. The same source list both as synonyms or related to each other.

Similar in meaning, worlds apart in implication when applied. The main difference I see is: MONEY.

Someone who doesn’t have it, is crazy when he lives in a tent. Some who does, is eccentric when he lives in a tent.

Doesn’t eat meat, dairy or eggs in a tent by choice: eccentric

Doesn’t eat meat, dairy or eggs in a tent out of financial necessity: crazy

Alike in that each must shit in the street if there’s no alternative.

We are all humans, similar physically, though unique spiritually.

Is it possible we all are equal parts crazy and eccentric? Is it possible to determine our equilibrium without using money as a measurement?

Crazy+Money=Eccentric: Scott Linker (song)*

*Beethoven and Bach need not worry