Personally, I experience success when I enjoy what I'm doing. I love the creative process, even if the end result isn't embraced by anyone else.
RupaulRead
From childhood, we're trained to be a certain way, to behave a certain way - so that the power base can control us, really. And punk and drag are completely outside of that.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights how societal norms shape behavior, contrasting it with the freedom found in punk and drag culture.
Rupaul's quote expresses a critique of societal conditioning, suggesting that from a young age, individuals are molded to fit specific expectations, which serves the interests of those in power. In contrast, punk and drag culture represent forms of rebellion and authenticity that challenge these imposed identities, allowing for self-expression and liberation from conventional constraints.
Themes
IdentityFreedomSocietyRebellionSelf-Expression
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on individuality, one could use this quote to illustrate how societal norms can limit personal freedom.
More from Rupaul
All quotes →The secret of success in every field is redefining what success means to you. It can't be your parent's definition, the media's definition, or your neighbor's definition. Otherwise, success will never satisfy you.
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Drag is involved with changing identities and not taking identities too seriously at all. That's why drag is such a hard sell to a network - or anyone, really - because it's up against the ego.
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All things to do with drag are inherently therapeutic because the realization of your own insanity is the beginning of sanity.
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I started out in this business in rock and roll bands and stumbled into drag. Drag just happened to be my vehicle for my creativity. So, you know, it's afforded me the opportunity to create new shows, to make music.
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Drag breaks the fourth wall, which is why it's never been quite accepted, because nobody wants to be told that they are really a caricature of themself and to not take yourself too seriously.
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