"What do you do?" Is a question I get often when I meet someone. What was once such a simple question has become quite complex after years of self-discovery. At the end of this tunnel, I have coined what I call the Superman-Clark Kent Dilemma.
In the streets, at the bus stop, that guy in the cubicle next to you, exist those who have been granted priceless gifts. They sing, they write, they dance, they build, they destroy, they master, they experience but many have been reduced to accountant, lawyer, doctor, cashier, senator, etc. -- single day job title.
When I decided to pursue my art seriously, I tapped into an inherent power which allowed me to access the most honest parts of myself. There isn't much out there that is more liberating in my opinion. Then when someone would ask me "what do you do?" I found myself reverting to what ever my 9 to 5 job title was at the time.
One day someone asked me "what do you do?" Today I had a change of heart and replied "I'm an artist." They looked at me, smiled and said, "No, what do you do for a living I mean?" I thought and said, "I'm an artist." They then replied, "Well surely you have a day time job?" I answer, "Yes." They then said, "Well, that's what you do."
This opened up a new plane of thought for me because I had never considered this. For 8 hours a day, I devote myself to a day task which gave me financial stability and at which I contributed much to society but only represented a fraction of my total person. While the artist in me contributes to every part of my societal contributions. While I sat there in the confused dark corners of my mind, I looked up, and there he was. A bird! A plane! No... well, what is he?
I thought about the world of Superman. Now Superman inherited amazing gifts. With those gifts he contributes much to society, but those gifts don't necessarily always grant him personal monetary gains. With all his awesomeness he has to keep up the alter ego of Clark Kent in order for him to act as a functioning member of society. Though it is the Superman in him that contributes the most to society, it is the Clark Kent piece that works as a vehicle for Superman. Since we, as the audience are granted an omniscient position in the life of Superman, I believe most of us identify the "whole man" as Superman and not Clark Kent.
What is your Clark Kent? What is your Superman? Here in lies the Superman-Clark Kent dilemma of identity.
Consider Superman and Clark Kent as it applies to you and others. Are you your 9 to 5! I believe you are everything you do to contribute to yourself and society around the clock no matter what that Clark Kent is.
So I propose, the next time you ask someone "what do you do?" consider these things.
When that accountant says he paints...
When that restaurant server says she's a dancer...
When that barber says he's a sculptor...
When that construction worker says he's an architect...
When that teacher says he's an artist...
Consider it a great opportunity to understand the whole person. And if you absolutely have to know that person's 9 to 5 vehicle, just ask...
"What's your Clark Kent?"
PEACE
Q
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