girldetective

In a prior thread I briefly touched upon superiority and wanted to take it a little further. I had hoped to leave superiority behind permanently, so I am ashamed to admit that I am an art snob, but I am dealing with it.

For example, I am dating Tpop who believes he is an artist, and so he is. I recently I sent him a poem, and he sent it back to me all gummed up with his own words, his own version. I was offended, not necessarily because he did his own take, more so because it was awful. Then he proceeds over time to send me his own poems and other peoples' song lyrics that he has plagiarized and made into his own. I just can't begin to tell you how funky these are.

However, Tpop is surprising. He believes he is a good artist and there really is something wonderful about him. For example, twice now in public he has quietly played and sang me a song of his own making (incredibly schmultzy like you wouldn't believe), which I admired. I cringed at the thought of going to the art museum with him, but when I did I had a fab time and saw the art differently. Instead of with the critical artist's eye, I saw the intrinsic and historical value, appreciated different forms or colors, etc. The same held true for the art gallery. It was great.

So I wonder about superiority. How do we acquire it, and is it ever practical or helpful? (Edited for change of wording: Superiority replaced Pretension, which would also beg that it could be helpful in a power struggle, etc.)

__________________
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons...be cheerful; strive for happiness - Desiderata