Foolish Games

Clownin' Around

Disclaimer: the following is partly tongue-in-cheek and does not present an entirely accurate analysis as one would expect from an essay (I hate essays). It will contain sweeping generalisations and may make unsubstantiated claims.

Optimist: Someone with an amazing disregard for an objective evaluation of events - perspective bias towards positive/favourable outcomes. Optimism can be expressed in two ways:

1) You might maintain a very hopeful frame of mind as to whether or not the more favoured event will come to pass. For example, the chances of that cute guy/gal (the 'target') liking you are very uncertain, but there are still indicators. An optimist (the hunter) may interpret the target's actions towards them more favourably than they would appear to someone else (then again, infatuation does funny things to your brain, and in some cases even a pessimist may try to positively interpret their interactions with the target). A sure sign of an optimist in this situation is a unrealistically hopeful and positive outlook in regards to possibilities with the target. By unrealistic I mean in situations where the target barely knows the hunter and acts less cordially, more civilly towards the hunter. A very optimistic person may even EXPECT the target to reciprocate feelings for them.

2) A different expression of optimism is, as opposed to inflating the probabilities of a favourable outcome, you maintain a positive perspective, regardless of how 'bad' a situation may be. For an example, such an optimist might continue to be chirpy and enthusiastic, even when events are weighing heavily against them (e.g. fights with friends, a stressful time at work, etc).

Pessimist: Someone with an amazing disregard for an objective evaluation of events - perspective bias towards negative/unfavourable outcomes. Pessimism can be expressed in two ways, which are similar and opposite to those presented above for optimism (and thus, only an abbreviated explanation below):

1) Inflating the probabilities of unfavourable outcomes beyond what the facts/circumstances suggest.

2) Tendency towards a negative perspective on whatever outcomes occur - i.e. a viewpoint that says ALL possible outcomes are unfavourable.

Realist: Someone with an amazing disregard for a subjective evaluation of events. This person is the straight-talker, tell 'em like it is, don't fairy floss the story, type of cowboy. A realist feels no need to sugar-coat the possibilities available, and has no issue with looking at both the favourable possibilities and unfavourable ones, and perhaps forming an opinion on which outcome is more likely. Though he/she evaluates the probabilities of, and makes a distinction between, favourable and unfavourable outcomes, their agenda is not, per se, to endeavour to support a positive or negative frame of mind - it is to satisfy an innate sense curiosity and is a desire for control of situations through the thorough understanding and analysis of the various inputs to a scenario. As such, a realist will tend towards stoicism, more able to accept unfavourable scenarios than the pessimist, who will tend to be more expressive in their unhappiness. Likewise, in favourable scenarios the realist will not appear as drunk on euphoria as the optimist.

Mix n' Match
Of course, most people hold to a blend of optimism, pessimism and realism, though one of the three is likely to be predominant. For example, a realist with a optimistic outlook is someone who may frequently make assessments that the preferred outcome is less likely than not, but still maintains hopeful outlook on their future, even accepting that things may not turn out as they wish.

Misunderstandings

A common misunderstanding is to conflate pessimism and realism (done by the optimists). Curiously, I have encountered one instance where realism has been conflated with optimism (done by a pessimist). I believe the latter to be a very rare occurrence. I suspect that the conflation of realism and pessimism is due to many optimists' inability to truly consider and accept that there are events, scenarios or possibilities that don't readily lend themselves towards positivity. For example, a realist who has considered a situation and expresses an opinion that their 'chances aren't good' (for achieving a preferred outcome), may very well be confronted by an optimism with the sentiment 'don't think like that, everything will work out fine!'. The optimist will assume pessimism. However, the realist is expressing a considered opinion of the situation. He/she is NOT discounting the possibility that things may very well 'turn out fine'. The problem is, the optimist has assumed pessimism, probably because a pessimist could also make same comment - 'chances aren't good' (though they'd more likely say 'I've got no chance'). The truth is 'chances aren't good' and 'everything will work out fine' aren't mutually exclusive expressions - but don't let that fact get in the way of an optimist. You may well find a positive realist, who might say, 'chances aren't good, but everything will work out fine'. Confused yet? I am, that's not about to stop me rambling on...

Some other labels

Pragmatist vs Idealist. Ok, I was once called an 'idealistic pessimist'. At first this might sound a bit contradictory, but it's not. An idealist is someone who has a firm idea of how things SHOULD be, rather than viewing the world as conforming to those ideals. A pragmatist is someone who isn't particularly concerned with how things should be, but rather, works towards solutions that work at a practical level.

So what about Son?

Well, let's set it out straight - I view myself, in a general sense, as a realistic idealist. At the same time I hold some affinity with pragmatism, cynicism (no, I can't be bothered providing a definition here), optimism and pessimism… hmm… guess I like to be a lot of things ;P I've been viewed as someone who lives by rules, and as boring, but I've demonstrated a chaotic and whimsical side from time-to-time, and I can be rather cheeky.

Anyway, let's results of the survey I posted last time, though the results are likely skewed, since it was far from a random sample… and only garnered 4 responses >.< Apparently for 2 people I am an optimist, pessimist, realist and clown. For one, I am mostly a pessimist. And for one person I am a pessimist when it come to myself, an optimist when it comes to others, and also a realist?

hmmm….

Anyway, with a full data set I would think that I would get a large proportion saying that I'm mostly a pessimist. However, now that I think about it further, there are some people who mostly see only one side of me… and I wonder if they'd mistake me for an optimist?

*shrug* I think I've changed over time. I believe I used to be a pessimistic realist that claimed not to be a pessimist, but a realist. Now I think I'm more of a true realist, with swings between pessimism and optimism, depending on the time, situation and topic matter. What I want to discuss though is the 'clown' concept =P

Clown: now, everyone knows what a clown is when referring to one with a painted face and big red shoes, but I'm redefining it to be a more refined version of the 'class-clown'. I see a clown as being someone who, in social circles, especially in group situations, plays the role of 'entertainment'. This doesn't mean that they have to be the centre of attention, but that their actions are predominantly geared towards entertainment, rather than some other substantive purpose.

Strangely, I seem to have developed into this role, which I seem to frequently play out in group situations. Maybe it has to do with being the cheeky person I am. Maybe it's because the deeper conversations I prefer are unlikely in group settings. Having said this, being a clown (in this particularly sense anyway) doesn't mean that you have to funny (yes, I know I have an odd sense of humour). Strangely, I used to be so serious all the time… and now I think I have gone the other way, and am rarely serious in social situations. Perhaps it is just a way of handling things - entertain, entertain and entertain with antics and words, because the undercurrent to my life has long since become an old, boring story, overly recycled and of interest to no one. So, it is best to leave the fresh stories for others to tell, and instead play the role of a jester - frivolous and flippant, whimsical and sly. My contribution to you, Silly Son the Shadow.

posted by Son @ 18:08