Regret

Max Packingham P.4

Addictions and Obsessions

Artist Statement

            I have an extreme passion for collecting, wearing, and admiring sneakers. There’s not a day that passes where I don’t think about a certain pair of shoes, negotiating with myself and with other people on social media, or how I can manage to get a pair of the hottest and most valuable releases. I love shoes, therefore I wanted to do this project about my sneaker addiction. In the picture I took, I chose to kneel and worship a pair of highly coveted shoes, because that’s how I feel in my daily life, I “worship” shoes. The image I took and the flash fiction I wrote work together because in the picture I showed of I feel without any words, and the writing try to describe in detail how sneakers control my life. 

Flash Fiction

            For most people, sneakers get you from point A to point B, they keep your feet warm in the winter time, and prevent injuries or stepping on sharp objects. However, for other people, sneakers are much more. Yes, those who say, “why do you need so many shoes, you only have 2 feet” do have a valid point, however it doesn’t stop the collectors. It’s not known why people have obsessions with certain things or collect an obscure number of items, but we do know that sneakers fall into that category. We all know that one person, whether that be someone in real life or on the internet, that has quadruple the number of shoes needed. “Sneakerheads” see collecting and wearing the rarest sneakers as a popularity status and makes them happy looking down at their feet, but it also builds relationships and allows young collectors to learn about the business side, reselling. Reselling is a controversial topic because its good because it drives the demand even higher for certain releases and allows young entrepreneurs to make a little side money, but the bad is it makes so that the people that want the shoes to wear more expensive because the resellers already marked them up 3x the retail. As you can see, sneakers are more than just getting from one place to the next, they are a way of life. 

They say

            Everyone personality, bias, and perspective are completely different. While some believe you’re born with a certain personality and can’t do anything do change it, some believe that you can change your personality and bias. It is not an easy thing to do or an overnight switch, it takes months and months. 16personalities.com says, “According to most personality type theories, the individual’s type is inborn and does not change. However, individuals can develop traits and habits that differ or even directly contradict the description of their type.” For example, if you were in your bedroom doing homework and the lights suddenly go off, you’ll probably be able to find a flashlight or maybe the door. This is true because of all your senses, except sight. As soon as you find a flashlight and turn the lights back on, you will go back to how life was because you can see without any problems. Personality works the same way, the environment you are in forces you to use senses you’re not normally used to.

I say

            I believe that bias and personality can be changed. An example could be your personality was very outgoing and fun, but the job you’ve had for years and years is very structured, and every day is the same thing. I believe this will change your personality and bias, but as soon as you leave that job, your personality will go back to how it was, outgoing and spontaneous. Another example could be the paper ball toss we did in class. For the people that had the trashcan right in front of them, it was extremely easy to make the ball inside, but for those way in the back of the room, myself included, there were slim to no chances of making the ball into the trashcan. This goes along with the kids that don’t have enough money or opportunities as a rich, successful child’s parents. This is an excellent example because the kids that don’t have a lot of money might think that they’re just like their parents and won’t make anything in life. Same with the children of very successful parents, they will probably be successful due to head start they have. One last example that I think is the most influential one is who you surround yourself with. Personally, I was with the wrong group of people, and their actions influenced and completely changed who I was, physically and emotionally. Therefore, I think your personality and perspectives on life does change.