THE ENDOXIST AS OF 2011
endoxa /ἔνδοξα/
v: (Greek) societal norms, beliefs and generally accepted opinion
While the death of IYBC (see below) was a gradual process that took a lot of purposeful insight, the evolution of The Endoxist was quiet the opposite – almost an instantaneous thought that entered my mind and cemented itself for good. Seems unconventional, right? (Hold unto that word.) Usually, death is synonymous with swiftness and evolution is an archaic, drawn-out process. In this case, the process was the opposite. I guess that in itself has a significant impact on the title of the Endoxist.
Sitting in one of my Spring 2011 lecture classes on Rhetorical Communication, I was introduced to the concept of endoxa, as conceptualized by Aristotle – the famous Greek philosopher. He derived the word from the more commonly understood Greek word doxa (δοξα), but this isn’t the space to decipher philosophy and history from a sociological lens. Essentially, Aristotle was saying that the proper and smooth functioning of society is due to ‘endoxa’, which roughly defines as commonly held beliefs and opinions that need not be taught or discussed, they exist as fundamental foundations of society. Think for example of wearing clothes before leaving the house, or of not engaging in conversation with strangers. While some in society may want to be naked all the time and chat away with random people, typically we could call this type of behavior deviant and discourage others to follow suit.
Generally speaking, endoxa is also what would deter men from wearing heels and women in their 50s to bear children. These underlying principles that dictate society are usually unchallenged, but this is where our generation sets itself apart from the rest of human history. In my opinion, the youth of today is questioning commonly held notions of what is acceptable, of what is “right” and what is “wrong”, of what regards scorn and what celebration.
I pride myself in purposely going out of my way to defy what society arbitrarily decides is the norm. In how I dress, how I converse, where I go, what I do, and who I am. And thus, I self-identify as The Endoxist – in a oxymoronic way from a conventional lens, but in a revolutionary way given the context: the ‘endoxa’ that I wish to inject into society has nothing to do with social norms or generalized ideals. It has everything to do with embracing your own personhood, and being utterly elated in being exactly who you are.
As such, I walk away from the conventional black suit and leather portfolio and walk toward the bright red blazer worn with silk tribal pants. In the words of one of my closest friends: “just do you“.
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