Do you support the selfie trend? Do you think it promotes self absorption, vanity and narcissism? Is there a way to incorporate selfies into the Church's teachings of modesty, authentic beauty, humility?Thanks to Hannah!
Not gonna lie, not a fan of the "selfie", Whether it is the song "but first....lemme take a selfie" or the never-ending parade of pictures on Instagram.
I love pictures. Many a turned-around camera self picture has been taken in the hopes of not missing out on a memory, usually to capture who I was with or what I was witnessing around me.
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| Selfie overlooking the Copenhagen skyline |
Back in the day, the "selfie" was when you turned the camera around in order to get everyone in a picture but there was no extra person to take it. It's purpose was to include everyone and make a memory. Even the occasional solitary self-taken picture was to savor a moment in which no one else was able to take the picture. I'm all for documenting memories to live on.
I'm not a big fan of the selfie just for the sake of having a picture of yourself, especially when posted on social media. I believe in the importance of feeling confident yourself and how you look, but the I see the posting of "selfies" of just yourself comes from the need for approval from others regarding our looks and our lifestyles.
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| Selfie while walking El Camino de Santiago |
Now, I completely fall prey to pruning my social media accounts to display my ideal self. I don't think anyone wants to feel like they look "bad" in their pictures, but I've realized there is a line between deciding what you want displayed and what you think should be displayed. The thought process of this picture makes me look this way or if I post this picture then it looks like I am fulfilled in this area of my life can trap us into hiding who we truly are, of hiding a true beauty.
We don't need the others to assure us of that beauty.
Page through the Bible, especially Song of Songs and discover gems like this one:
"You are beautiful in every way, my friend, there is no flaw in you!"
Song of Songs 4:7
We need to use the selfie to capture more memories, more joy. Memories with friends, an experience of a lifetime, a moment of bliss. If we could use selfies to promote the joy of living full lives with Christ instead of using them to promote living lives full of ourselves.
I'm challenging myself to re-evaluate the selfie, will you?
Those are great selfies! Your point about using a photo to document a memory is so important
ReplyDeleteOne thing I've learned through taking pictures of myself for What I Wore Sunday is that I definitely have way more than I thought I did. I re-wear outfits without apology because my closet is finite and I love certain combos. But that feeling of "I wear the same thing all the time"? Gone!