5.28.20 // Selfies (Part 1)

I’ve had Instagram since 2013 (part 1).
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And since those early days, I’ve asked myself, "how many photos should feature me versus one of the beautiful places I've had the privilege of spending time in? Is there a limit on how many selfies are too many selfies? Will I be sending the wrong message if I chose to post photos of myself?
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I’ve seen all varieties of this conversation had on social media.
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And I'm not here with a definitive answer.
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But, here are my thoughts and the powerful voices that impacted them...
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In June 2019, @noel_russ wrote about her thoughts on selfies. She explained that she overheard someone criticizing another woman's IG account by saying "she posts too many selfies, she needs to get over herself".
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Noel went on to explain how she would have nodded in agreement until she had the opportunity to bring a couple of girls, who lived in a shelter, to a special work event. The girls received makeovers, new outfits, and walked the red carpet of a launch event. Every few feet they would take selfies.
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When Noel asked how many selfies they had taken, they grinned and said "the funny thing is, tonight is the first time I've actually ever taken a selfie." When Noel asked why, one of the girls answered, "Well, I guess I didn't ever feel like I was worth it."
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Because of that night, Noel had a beautiful realization:
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“That was the moment I realized how my own privilege, and lack of perception, had led me to criticize other women at the very moment when I should be cheering loudly for them.
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After that evening, my heart has been filled with pride every time a selfie shows up in my feed.
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Because everyone deserves to feel photo-worthy. So, to those who choose to chide the selfie-takers of the world, Consider this -
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Maybe that person shouldn’t ‘get over themselves’,
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Maybe YOU deserve to try and get more INTO yourself?".
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This video captures me in my element. Chewing gum, funky swimming spot in found from aimless road surfing, big hat, good tunes. I like this Liz a lot.