Cookie cutters

You see a lot of different people in the city. We're told that everyone is unique, that we are all different.

I actually don't think that everyone's all that unique. I think there is a finite set of cookie cutters, and we are all basically cookie cutter versions of each other. It just depends which cookie cutter.

Common stereotypes are a good example of the types of cookie cutters I'm talking about. Computer geek. Sports nut. Martial arts enthusiast. Extreme sports nut. Outdoorsperson. Socialite. Asian gangster. Hip-hop/rap gansta. Intellectual. Artsy type. Etc.

You might argue that there are infinite variations within a cookie cutter, but they are essentially the same, or at least, people almost try to fit into a certain group.

I think it probably boils down to a need to belong to something, to identify with something. You see what's out there, and you want it.

Granted, once in a while you'll have someone that's just completely unique, but they generally spawn a following and that is quickly lost.

I don't think there's anything wrong with being a cookie cutter version of someone else, as long as you don't delude yourself that it's not the case.