People Change by Vivek Shraya
Summary
Vivek Shraya is a writer, musician, artist, and so much more. A fellow Canadian who also embraces her ever-changing nature and the art of multiplicity. Her unique perspective on change reflects on her experience and intersectionalities. This book is a series of short essays.
I share quite a lot with her so I was naturally drawn to this book as I too have been called into question for not fitting inside a box. From my changing appearance to my interests and hobbies to my own livelihood, I’ve felt challenged to conform to the ideals that someone thinks I should have. If you don’t fit into the box that I think you belong to, surely there must be something wrong and off about you? Or are you struggling? Vivek’s answer would be neither - let me be and embrace this part of life that I am in, at this very moment, and how I choose to describe myself and the words that come out of my mouth are a product of the context, the circumstances that I am in. Change is to be looked at from a quantitative perspective rather than a qualitative result.
Vivek goes on to share her own personal stories of change and transformation while referencing and exploring Madonna’s career as it provides an interesting look at how the artist embraces her new look and sound. This, coupled with some questions that will really make you think (or at least argue or debate), this book is a beautiful series of mini-essays on change and how our attitudes themselves can and might need to change when it comes to our own life transformations - be it personal or professional.
I loved this read. It’s a fast one and you can easily finish this book in one sitting. As an organized reader, I did find the book to be lacking in clear themes when it comes to the different chapters. The chapters were separated by a quote printed in giant text with an underlying thought or idea - which perhaps my own oversight failed to connect. However, the science nerd in me appreciates clear definite introductions to themes rather than listening to transcribed thoughts in a book (which aren’t better or worse in any way) - this is just my personal preference.
My key Takeaways/interesting ideas & quotes
Change should be embraced and remembered for what it contributed towards rather than looked at as a qualitative “reinvention” towards an endless state of betterment. This attitude devalues our own lived experiences that came before. Even the word reinvention implies a new and better or improved version of yourself.
“This is why Halloween makes me uncomfortable: the intention behind dressing up is to scare (or for jest). Why must transformation be monstrous and frightening, or something to be laughed at, instead of an opening for self-discovery?”
Queer people learn to hide ourselves at a young age through mastering performances. We know first-hand and through keen observation that the exterior is always a show. Learn from us: You don’t have to cloak your fantasies with guises. All clothes are costumes. Come out! Give yourselves more than one day of the year.
Social media tells us to be more authentic but how authentic are we if our goal includes more followers and likes? Instead of striving for authenticity, wouldn’t it be better if we were open to showcasing our ever-changing image? The ongoing change is a process of figuring ourselves out so why not include that in the narrative and own them?
“Reinvention is relational, tethered to how it’s received by others. Every time I present a new version of myself, those around me are also called upon to change”
“Reinvention requires both a kind of death and a desire to keep living. And so at its core, reinvention is inextricably linked to hope: the hope that we can find another way, take another shape.”
I would recommend this book to
If you have studied or are interested in change and transition or have worked with corporations to talk about change management.
You want to get lost in an easy read one beautiful afternoon or evening. Nonfiction, deeply thought-provoking, short read.
If you identify as a polymath or renaissance person
If you grew up in the same household or had the same job for over 5 years. Yes, you! Time to take a peek at someone else’s perspective on change
Everyone. We all change. We really do.