Is imitation the highest form of flattery? Is imitation the highest form of flattery?

Growing up we are always told to be ourselves. Be original, be different, stand out from the rest. Most of us can pride ourselves on doing just that. Others are not so lucky. Too large of a portion of people have become what society likes to define as "sheep". And it doesn't stop at people looking up to celebrities, or younger people looking up to older people that they seem to idolize. No, it seems to be as contagious as the common cold with people clinging on to close friends, or even people they despise, and copying their every move. Living in a generation so modified to the lifestyle humans lead 100 years ago, now is the time to be as different as you can be- so why is imitation taking control?

Your teenage years can be confusing. Your body experiences a lot of change, your emotions and hormones go through the roof- boys and girls- and you can sometimes be unsure of who you are and who you want to be. Often we find someone who appears to be doing it all right- the make up, the clothes, the socialising. It is easier to perceive them as someone we should aim to be when they seem so happy and sure of themselves, and so we start to imitate some of the things they would do. Maybe you buy the same nail varnish as them, pick up the same sport. And all of this is fine. It is common among teenagers for there to be certain things that everyone wants, everyone does. 

But where do we draw the line? 

For me, its simple. If you suddenly find yourself looking at something and thinking "She/he has this, I'll buy it" or "she/he does that, maybe I'll do it too!"before you buy/do something, then there is a line to be drawn. There is a fine line between being inspired by someone and trying to be someone and if you start to start to consider someone else before you buy/do something you have crossed the line into stalker town. People will notice and people will start to think poorly of you- more often than not people will make fun of you for being a 'copycat'. 

As with most issues in teenage culture, media is mostly to blame for this surge of intense imitation. With girls being skinnier and more plastic then person than ever before, teenage girls are striving harder than ever for 'perfection'. The less 'perfect' you view yourself to be, the harder your will try to be someone you are not. And sure, there are celebrities who embrace body and personality differences and say how important it is to be comfortable in your own skin- but look at these celebrities. 90% of them are smaller than a size 10 with a 'perfect' looking image, funds for an entirely designer wardrobe and no real issues besides being unpopular with the public. They are no realistic examples that teenagers can aspire to- so finding someone within their social boundaries that is the next best thing is what a lot of teenagers seem to do. 

But what about the other side of the story? Not the copiers but the people being copied. How do they feel? 

A lot of the time, most won't notice until it becomes extreme. It may start off as endearing, and yes, flattering, to know that somebody want's to be like you. But when it becomes more extreme, it becomes nothing less than annoying. Yet if you tell anyone about it, they will tell you "imitation is the highest form of flattery". And most of the time, it's because they themselves are a copier. Because I'll let you into a secret. 

Imitation is not flattering. It is not fun, it is not cute, or sweet. It is annoying. If you have managed to be comfortable in your own skin, and be happy with the unique individual you have molded yourself to be, why should you sit back and be flattered when someone tries to imitate years of hard work? In short, you shouldn't. In my opinion, a copier should always be (nicely) confronted about their behavior and gently persuaded to stop, and become their own person. In time, they will realise they are happier for it, and thank you for helping them out. 

However, if you feel that you are a copier, please do not feel to disheartened by this post. Please just take my thoughts on board. Always remember that there is a fine line between being inspired and being a complete imitation of someone- do not cross it. And remember that everyone feels differently about being copied. 

Remember the most important thing of all, though: "It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation"- Helen Melville. 

Love from, 

Florence Grace

Please do not take this post too seriously/to heart- it is vastly just my own opinion on being copied! However, do let me know what you think- is imitation the highest form of flattery? How do you feel about it? Let me know in the comments below or using the links in the sidebar!