Importance of Image

 In today's day and age, it is very easy to become wrapped in one's image and outward appearance - choosing to simply disregard one's true feelings and emotions in the pursuit of bettering the way the individual appears to an outsider. With this being said, the rise of social media in our technological age has caused many to use said platforms as a highlight reel of themselves - ultimately, using these platforms to solely portray their best moments, while simultaneously skipping over their 'less than perfect' moments. This toxic view and use of social media platforms ultimately causes individuals to compare themselves to unrealistic ideals and portrayals that do not wholly exist. This continuous toxicity of our technological age has led many of our generation to struggle with their own sense of self esteem as well as their ability to express this sense of hurt. 

Langston Hughes further exemplifies this societal understanding of loneliness and hurt, in general, in his piece entitled, "Hurt". With this being said, while the entirety of the poem is only nine lines, these nine lines hold a powerful message that is still present in today's society. For example, Hughes explains that our unforgiving society does not care to know of these 'less than perfect' moments of an individual - only changing this opinion of said individual is able to change this sense of hurt into a form of entertainment for another. In furthering this, Hughes states, "Who cares about the hurt in your heart? Make a song like this for a jazz band to play" (Hughes, Lines 1-4). Similar to Hughes, this longstanding societal trope can still be seen today, especially in Justin Bieber's song entitled, "Lonely". For example, similar to Hughes, Bieber expresses his sense of hopelessness in his ability to portray his emotions and self of solitude in any way other than music and entertainment for his audience.