Glen Finney writes:
> Meta-style....yeah, I like that, I like that a lot. You might use your
>personal style as your base, and then adapt from there to integrate with the
>styles in the social situation.
This may be a reflection of a variant personal perspective here, but aren't we doing this already? Think about an average week in your own life. Do you place yourself into a variety of social and professional situations, in each of which you display a particular style variant of your core self?
As I write this, I prepare to go to the office. For that, casual professional wear, a cool and calm demeanor--the savvy, capable careerist. Then, I'll slip out for martinis with friends later. For that, jeans and a black shirt, a relaxed demeanor--we will exchange witty stories and laugh often, maybe flirt with someone cute. Then, another night, off to a philosophical salon, at which I want to wear something neutral and nondistracting. I listen carefully and speak only after formulating a rational and incisive reply to the discussion. Then--the weekend and Urban Explorer Mode for wandering the streets or maybe Weekend Outdoorsman for a quick hike through the Shanendoah. And, of course, the internet, where words and only words form the aesthetic through which someone would access my personality.
If a given person only saw me in one of those situations, they might form an opinion as to my personality or temperament. And, in times past, that might be a valid assessment, but human social interactions have developed into a complex maze of sucessive encounters based on a particular style interface. All of that combines into what Anders calls 'meta-style'.
What is your meta-style?
Kathryn Aegis