“I hum some secret place into being, thinking of this other me, the one that only I can see, a girl called She, who is not We, a girl who I will never be.”
In this quote, Lori Lansens beautifully captures the internal struggle of self-discovery and self-acceptance. The speaker describes creating a secret world where she can explore a different identity, separate from her own. The use of repetition in "a girl called She" emphasizes the distinction between the speaker and this imagined persona. This quote delves into the complexities of individuality and the longing for a version of oneself that may never exist. By creating this separate identity, the speaker is able to explore aspects of herself that may be hidden or suppressed in reality.
In today's fast-paced world where social media often dictates how we perceive ourselves and how we present our identities to the world, the words of Lori Lansens hold a poignant relevance. The idea of creating a secret place within ourselves, where we can truly be ourselves without any outside influence, resonates with the modern struggle to maintain a sense of individuality and authenticity in a world that constantly demands conformity. Lansens' exploration of the inner self, separate from the external pressures of society, serves as a reminder to embrace and nurture the unique aspects of our identities that make us who we truly are.
"I hum some secret place into being, thinking of this other me, the one that only I can see, a girl called She, who is not We, a girl who I will never be." - Lori Lansens
This quote resonates with me as it speaks to the idea of creating a private inner world within ourselves, where we can explore different aspects of our identity. It reminds us that there are parts of ourselves that are unique and hidden, only known to us.
In this quote by Lori Lansens, the idea of creating an imaginary version of oneself is explored. Reflecting on this concept can lead to deeper insights into our own identities and desires. Here are some questions to consider:
Have you ever imagined or created an alternate version of yourself, like the girl called She mentioned in the quote? What characteristics or qualities does this imagined self possess?
In what ways does this imaginary version of yourself differ from your actual self? What does this reveal about your wants, fears, or hidden desires?
How does the act of creating this secret place for your imaginary self affect your sense of self-identity? Does it bring you comfort, escape, or a sense of freedom?
Reflecting on the quote, what do you think the author is trying to convey about the complexity of individual identity and the idea of multiple selves existing within one person?
How can embracing and exploring this alternate version of yourself, like the girl called She, lead to a deeper understanding of who you are and who you want to become?
“How can another see into me, into my most secret self, without my being able to see in there myself? And without my being able to see him in me. And if my secret self, that which can be revealed only to the other, to the wholly other, to God if you wish, is a secret that I will never reflect on, that I will never know or experience or possess as my own, then what sense is there in saying that it is my secret, or in saying more generally that a secret belongs, that it is proper to or belongs to some one, or to some other who remains someone. It's perhaps there that we find the secret of secrecy. Namely, that it is not a matter of knowing and that it is there for no one. A secret doesn't belong, it can never be said to be at home or in its place. The question of the self: who am I not in the sense of who am I but rather who is this I that can say who? What is the- I and what becomes of responsibility once the identity of the I trembles in secret?”
“What’s wrong?” asked Seth, seeing my frown.“That new drummer. Alec. He hit on me earlier, and now he’s moving in on Casey. I think he’s one of those guys who thinks plying girls with liquor is the only way to get laid.”“Wait. I thought I was the only guy who knew that secret.”
“She seemed glad to see me when I appeared in the kitchen, and by watching her I began to think there was some skill involved in being a girl.”
“Little girl, he called me. A little girl who is stressed out to the point of paranoia. That is not me, but now, it's who the Candor think I am.”
“Girls who kiss boys, girls who date them, girls who call them on the phone... that's all they do. There are other things I want to do.”