On the Subject of Roles

Rhishanna Regina did a blog post recently on the subject of roleplay, and this reminded me of a blog post which I had been sat on (in my mind) for a some time. In the comments of the post is a comment by Saffia Widdershins asking at what point does roleplay become roleplay?

While it may be surprising to some, in RL I do not swank around in various scanty outfits drops hundreds of pounds on a pair of shoes that I will probably only wear once. Nor am I a noted member of the community (I'm claiming my wikia entry as my notability in SL, so nyer). I also don't occasionally drop and suck for complete strangers (although tempting). Therefore in SL I am playing a role, essentially me, but a more improved me with less constraints.

But by the same token I'm not making out to be something I'm not, I don't know diddly squat about RL fashion. I can't tell you this seasons colours, and I wouldn't be able to spot a trend if it slapped me in the face. I just like my jeans, DC's and occasional titty top. This is (I hope) reflected in my 'fashion' blog posts. I don't tell you what something could be paired with, or attempt to name the 'cut' of a skirt, because I don't know these things. I just tell you that 'ZOMG awesomeness' and have done with. However there are a lot of people out that do these things, and cynical lil me calls shenanigans on their credentials.

One example that springs to mind is the whole 'what's in my bag' thing. I generally don't carry huge inflatable dildos in my bag, so are people in SL really swanning around with retardedly expensive make up and Louis Vuitton purses in RL? Are they actually like me, with a couple of expensive things that the never use but worship quietly? Or are they the scary girls who had long gleaming hair and a pony back in school?

I think it all boils down to me missing the olden days of SL, you didn't get supermodels who design skins in their spare time. Everyone could pretty much be expected to be a RL social outcast in one way or another. People with problems finding solace in a place where they could be who they wanted to be and learn new things and achieve some sort of greatness for it.