Words.
"Want to be authentic? Good luck! These days it takes deliberate effort, focus, even a long-term commitment to change. This might sound surprising to those of you who associate authenticity with just being yourself, but misconceptions about authenticity abound, not least among them the idea that it comes naturally to everyone.
Then again, I'm referring not to the traditional definition of authenticity, but its expanded contemporary definition. Call it "aw, shucks authenticity." Instead of "true to one's own personality, spirit or character" (Webster's words), it's more like " successfully evoking a culturally agreed-upon idea of ordinariness." That is, rolling one's sleeves up to one's elbows or convincingly wearing plaid shirts, being "plain-spoken," or displaying small-town roots as proof of trustworthiness.
...These days the word is thrown around so profligately you'd think that all other traits once considered political assets — experience, intelligence, leadership — pale in comparison to conveying the impression of being an ordinary Joe.
...These days the word is thrown around so profligately you'd think that all other traits once considered political assets — experience, intelligence, leadership — pale in comparison to conveying the impression of being an ordinary Joe.
...we can all admit that authenticity these days is less an innate state than a high-maintenance hairstyle. All that time in front of the mirror, when the nation has bigger things to worry about."
LOS ANGELES TIMES: When being authentic requires work
