It’s seeking out this supposed authenticity that is in itself “authentic”. Defining one’s role in the world is a pretty base level common function of humanity. The journey is the reward and all that business.
In my old neighborhood, the kids look for authenticity through drug abuse and listening to something called “screamo.”
My working theory is that this behavior is related to their mothers’ search for authenticity at Pier 1 Imports.
i watched a ted talks about how authenticity is a myth. it was just about the smarmiest thing i’ve ever seen, more than 40 straight hours of penn jillette. authenticity as girl seems to notice- is overrated. it’s not the first priority in things.
i wouldn’t go the other way in saying it doesn’t matter. authenticity and honesty are related. if i give you a ring made of pyrite and say it’s gold, that’s unauthentic. nothing i say will make it gold, it doesn’t have the properties of gold, it merely has the outward appearance of gold. we live in a superficial culture, so superficial that authenticity and superficiality are difficult to tell apart.
what does “made in usa” mean? to some people it means more americans have jobs. that may or may not be true. some may think it means “better quality” but that means i can make something cheaper and drive up the price with a label- it’s not authentic even if it’s literally true!
made in usa doesn’t even mean the workers’ conditions were suitable. an undercover tour of a slaughterhouse ought to spoil that illusion. but, when it’s true, it generally means the workers were not child slaves.
only it’s not true. people put “made in the usa” labels on things that were made in geographically foreign territories where child labor exist. yeah, authenticity matters… just not all the time.
Actually, the subway entrance bears a remarkable resemblance to a sculpture by Brina Thurston that was on display in Socrates Sculpture a few months after this comic was posted.
June 9, 2009
Astute as ever. I wish I were able to think aloud of the manner of two characters talking.
June 9, 2009
hence reality TV.
June 9, 2009
It’s seeking out this supposed authenticity that is in itself “authentic”. Defining one’s role in the world is a pretty base level common function of humanity. The journey is the reward and all that business.
June 9, 2009
Suburban kidz: Teen alcohol abuse is very authentic
June 9, 2009
that last house on the block has a meth lab in it.
June 9, 2009
In my old neighborhood, the kids look for authenticity through drug abuse and listening to something called “screamo.”
My working theory is that this behavior is related to their mothers’ search for authenticity at Pier 1 Imports.
June 9, 2009
Möbius did it first.
Kris Kross did it to themselves. (sort of)
June 9, 2009
This one is a classic; a “Cat and Girl” high point.
June 9, 2009
Claire, can I still buy you an authentic Pabst + shot?
June 10, 2009
i watched a ted talks about how authenticity is a myth. it was just about the smarmiest thing i’ve ever seen, more than 40 straight hours of penn jillette. authenticity as girl seems to notice- is overrated. it’s not the first priority in things.
i wouldn’t go the other way in saying it doesn’t matter. authenticity and honesty are related. if i give you a ring made of pyrite and say it’s gold, that’s unauthentic. nothing i say will make it gold, it doesn’t have the properties of gold, it merely has the outward appearance of gold. we live in a superficial culture, so superficial that authenticity and superficiality are difficult to tell apart.
what does “made in usa” mean? to some people it means more americans have jobs. that may or may not be true. some may think it means “better quality” but that means i can make something cheaper and drive up the price with a label- it’s not authentic even if it’s literally true!
made in usa doesn’t even mean the workers’ conditions were suitable. an undercover tour of a slaughterhouse ought to spoil that illusion. but, when it’s true, it generally means the workers were not child slaves.
only it’s not true. people put “made in the usa” labels on things that were made in geographically foreign territories where child labor exist. yeah, authenticity matters… just not all the time.
June 12, 2009
I believe you are following definition 3 of authenticity, while I am committed to discussing definition 2a.
June 14, 2009
Is definition 5 not more essential than 2a? 2a seems a reflection of 5.
July 24, 2009
Is that a NY subway entrance you snuck into the background of panel 7?
August 23, 2009
5 is so much harder to pin down outside of one’s own head.
August 24, 2009
They’re talking about New York City.
June 18, 2010
One of the best internet comics I’ve read in a while. It’s witty, funny, AND well-drawn – where else can you find such a combination?
December 28, 2010
Actually, the subway entrance bears a remarkable resemblance to a sculpture by Brina Thurston that was on display in Socrates Sculpture a few months after this comic was posted.