Nowadays the term has virtually lost all meaning, since eccentricity is commonplace. So many people - youngsters in particular - are now conspicuous by their strange clothes, strange behaviour, strange beliefs and strange aspirations that they just aren't remarkable any more.
It's routine for people to have elaborate tattoos, multiple piercings, flamboyant clothes and extreme political views. We think nothing of it, we see them as quite normal.
Oldies are more conventional and some will still stick out as eccentrics, like the moany old codger who hates the neighbours, and they're very noticeable oddballs. Oldies in general still go for a fairly orthodox appearance - no tattoos or piercings or tee shirts with controversial slogans.
It was unusual when I was young to see any kind of "eccentric". We might see the odd person talking to themself or cursing everyone in sight or collecting garden gnomes, but that was about it.
The only obvious eccentric I can think of in this immediate neighbourhood is the guy who walks down the street trailing a suitcase. Clearly he isn't heading for the airport because he appears with his suitcase every day. Which naturally sets us wondering what's in the suitcase. The proceeds of a bank robbery? His worldly possessions? The manuscript of a book?
Of course we can't possibly ask him, that would be most intrusive and impertinent. Maybe one day the suitcase will fall open and all will be revealed.
I knew a boy in jr high and high school who carried a briefcase around school all day. This was before anyone used backpacks. It was so odd to see. He is now a very successful attorney with the biggest firm in the US.
ReplyDeleteThose of us without tats and piercings and neon hair are now the eccentrics🤣
Bijoux: Indeed, those of us who leave our bodies the way nature intended are now the eccentrics!
DeleteIf that suitcase ever falls open then please write a post about it. I have a hunch there's nothing in it - that would be true eccentricity.
ReplyDeleteSx
Ms Scarlet: Certainly he never gets anything out of it, so you might be right - it's empty.
DeleteConformity can be a curse leading to total dullness. Greyed out if you will.
ReplyDeleteEccentric is the only way to fly.
XO
WWW
www: Absolutely, conformist behaviour can be totally boring. Behaviour that departs from the norm is much more interesting.
DeleteI guess the tattoos and piercings are commonplace enough that it would be considered the fashion and not an eccentricity. When I was a child there were some eccentrics around. I've always been a square peg in a round hole, but I wouldn't say eccentric. I sort of wish I were!
ReplyDeleteSandra: Yes, exactly, it's fashion rather than eccentricity. Someone once described me as "mildly eccentric" which seems fair enough.
DeleteNow I also wonder what is in his suitcase.
ReplyDeleteColette: Perhaps I should accidentally bump into him and dislodge his suitcase so it falls open....
DeleteThe very mean lady next door turned out to be nice after her husband died. We never saw him but now I think that's probably a good thing.
ReplyDeleteLinda
Linda: Sounds like he had a very bad influence on her, and his death gave her some long-needed independence.
DeleteJust looking around me i am beginning to wonder if not having tattoos makes one eccentric...
ReplyDeleteFly: Very true. I'm amazed how many people round here have tattoos, often quite extensive ones. I haven't a clue what motivates them.
DeleteI think we have become more accepting of behaviors that harm no one. Thus, who is eccentric?
ReplyDeleteJoanne: As Sandra said, what used to be eccentric is now quite often today's fashion.
Delete