I was trying to think of something profound to talk about…and I’ve got nothing. So I think I’ll just type as I think and see how that goes. 
For some reason…it always goes back to the Gods…and stereotype of a Reconstructionist.
I’ve discovered that I am the complete opposite of the stereotype….and it bothered me at first. Now, I quite enjoy it.
During my travels on the net and numerous forum boards…I’ve found that the stereotype of the Recon is this:
1. A Geeky Nerd who has no social skills, but can quote Plato, Aristotle and Socrates ad nauseum.
2. A person with no interest in actually worshipping the Gods, just wants to study them.
3. An intellectual elitist who scoffs at other religions and spirituality.
Why on earth would anyone want to be a Reconstructionist with this kind of bias against you? I suppose it comes down to personal preference, and the call of the Gods.
I enjoy research and history. For me, studying is a form of devotion, in that I love the Gods enough to want to know them in their totality. They are not archetypes or generalizations…they are not their myths.
That being said…I am deeply spiritual….but in practice….I would prefer to worship traditionally. That’s just me. I would never say that any path is invalid…as any path is valid to those who practice it. I suppose the only time that I would qualify as an elitist is when I’m calling someone out on fakelore or historical inaccuracy. That’s what I seem to be called the most when I do this.
I’d like to think I have social skills….my success in business and my ability to have friends from all walks of life and a life outside of the Intranetz would be a good indication that I do OK in that regard. Plus, I’m hawt. I think I mentioned that in another post….LOL.
I’m silly, I’m a goofball. I don’t take myself too seriously. I suppose that when it comes to Hellenismos I am passionate, and I have definite opinions and strong views…and you won’t catch me joking around about the Gods, or poking fun at them.
I remember feeling like I couldn’t possibly be a Recon because I was just a “normal” person. It turns out that you don’t have to fit the stereotype to qualify. Good to know.
Conversely…I’ve met people that were definitely NOT Recons desperately wanting to claim the Title. Why? Because the stereotype says we’re scholarly and intellectual. While it’s true that the vast majority of us are well read and intelligent….the “image over substance” mentality (Thank you, Tim, for the catchphrase) seems to make many hijack the term because it’s how they want to be perceived.
I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s better to be who you are…stereotypes be damned.
So…
I’m Twinkle. I’m just me. And I’m a Hellenic Recon. Nice to meetchya!!
