The "Look At Me" Culture

I'm no astronomer. 

(And clearly not an artist either)

But I wanted to address an issue that many of us are struggling with in the 21st century. Particularly the Internet-driven youth.

Exhibitionism. 

As in a tendency to display one's abilities or to behave in such a way to attract attention.

We live in an Internet age which encourages exhibitionism or the "look at me" culture as a form of self-expression. Blogging, YouTube, Facebook, just to name a few. I personally believe it's not always a bad thing but it can become dangerous if we think it increases our self-worth in anyway. I can see that there's a trend these days. People think of fame as the ultimate achievement. Reality check: Being famous doesn't make you a better person unless you do something positive with your fame. Don't fall for the illusion that fame can do wonders for your self-worth. There's a difference between self-image and public image. What you're worth is between you and God because no one else knows you the way He does.

The problem with exhibitionism is that it encourages materialism and narcissism.  It thrives on the idea that a person's worth is measured by the things they own and what others think of them. The society we live in will make us believe this is true. It drives people to constantly seek the approval of others and we've seen how disastrous this can be. Sometimes to the point that we become completely self-involved and arrogant but the truth is we don't really deserve all the praise that we receive from people. We already know this. We say it at least 17 times a day.

[All] praise is [due] to Allah , Lord of the worlds. {Surah Al-Fatihah, 1: 2}

The things we have or who we are today is partially due to our efforts but without God nothing would be possible. So if God tells us to be modest and humble we should at least try to do so instead of spiralling into a frenzy of 'me, me, me'. I came across a really good quote the other day: "Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less." ~ C.S. Lewis

It's good for us to be proud of our achievements as it boosts our self-esteem and lack of self-esteem is why people seek the approval of others in the first place. So it's actually healthy to acknowledge our strengths and capabilities but at the same time, remember to thank God for what you have. Yes, you may be intelligent but Allah gave you a brain and the power of understanding. Yes, you may be rich but Allah gave you drive and ambition and the means to work. Yes, you may be physically attractive but Allah is the one who created you. And it won't hurt to realise that no matter how significant we are in our social circle or community there is an entire world and universe (or universes!) out there and we're just a very small part of it.

Having said that, isn't it amazing that God knows the prayers, intentions and deeds of each and everyone of us? And that He is the one who helps and protects us when we ask from Him? Another testament to His Majesty and Grandeur. 

Verily Allah knows (all) the hidden things of the heavens and the earth: verily He has full knowledge of all that is in (men's) hearts. {Surah Al-Fatir, 35:38}

And We have already created man and know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein. 

{Surah Qaf, 50:16}