iMedia: "Numb" by Linkin Park

"Numb by Linkin Park-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXYiU_JCYtU

This song, when interpreted, can have many meanings. I read the lyrics and saw this song as a way to promote self-confidence and individualism. To me, the main focus of the song was to epress how the pressures of trying to act like another person often make you feel "numb." Don't get me wrong, having a person you look up to or aspire to be is great, but turning your whole life around just so you can try to be like them may be more harmful than beneficial. An example of this in modern times is the societal pressures on women to look and act a certain way. Beauty has become one of the main concerns of women, and now more than ever, women are craving the need to look "perfect." The evolution of our culture over time eventually brought us makeup, new clothing styles, and cosmetic surgery. All of these things have changed the way other people view women, and even how women view themselves.

"I'm tired of being what you want me to be,
feeling so faithless, lost under the surface.
I don't know what you're expecting of me,
put under the pressure of walking in your shoes.
Every step that I take is just another mistake to you."

I think these lyrics show the true pressures put on women. The last line of the verse shows that when women don't make an effort to be the "perfect" woman, they are failures, or outcasts in society.

Typically, all of these pressures on women lead to low self esteem, demeaning views, and negativity towards women. I feel as if many women see themselves as described in the third and fourth lines of the verse. It makes me frustrated to see women change their entire lives just to look good. Who's to say what a "perfect" woman should look and act like?

"I've become so numb, I can't feel you there,
become so numb, so much more aware.
I'm becoming this, all I want to do
is be more like me and be less like you."

I hope to always live by the third and fourth lines of that verse. I believe all people are unique for a reason. Personally, I've always been a bit of a tomboy. I never played with dolls, wore dresses, or had tea parties with my stuffed animals. Instead, I preferred playing with toy cars, dressing in t-shirts and jeans, and playing ice hockey. Although even I have been influenced by the pressures of being the "perfect" woman, I have not let it take over my entire life. I pride myself in having the freedom to express my individuality. Anyone that knows me well can attest to the fact that I love to wear very colorful socks and shoes. And although I have been ridiculed for being "weird" or too "outgoing" with my fashion, I embrace the fact that I like being different, and nobody can change that.