The Complexities of Being Simplistic
February 21, 2024
Writer: Daniella Alicandri
Editor: Avery Heilbrunn
A charcuterie board – an enticing tapestry of options, ability to make mistakes, and power to transform decision-making into a journey of endless potential. The wherewithal to choose from an array of flavors, meats, fruits, and sweets is infinite. Charcuterie boards transform decision-making into a composition of serenity; rather than a burden, the ability to choose is a liberating melody allowing your mind to embrace freedom rather than succumb to stress. This dish serves as a reminder that there is not always one answer to every question. Life is not as simple as black and white, rather life's deepest meanings root from the complex contrast between sweet strawberry jam and salty crackers.
Charcuterie boards are my ideal food of choice due to the beauty of not having to choose. I am often bothered by questions like “what is your favorite color” and meaningless games like “would you rather?” I despise the 650 word Common App essay. An elevator pitch is nearly impossible for me. I am often critiqued for my auctioneer speed of speaking and my incredibly long-winded answers. However, I evidently cannot control my instinct to share every corner of my mind. These basic attempts at building connections fail to leave room for the infinite creativity of our minds -- beyond one-word answers. The somewhat predictable answers to these questions are dead-ends. Answering that your favorite color is simply, “orange” does not explain your love for watching the vibrant sunset with your little sister at the beach. The relative stress that builds up in my body when asked for simplicity led me to question, why? I have discovered that I am fond of what is complicated. We are all intricate beings seeking a bigger picture; there are always new and enlightening perspectives ready to be discovered.
Life not only depends on asking questions, but digging deeper into those answers. I encourage you to think more in depth about what you are not saying when you reply with black and white responses. I encourage you to answer questions with responses that may seem “wrong” on the surface. I encourage you to answer the question “what is your favorite color” with “the sunset”. Give your authentic flavor. This is why when someone asks me my favorite food, I say a charcuterie board. There is a seemingly endless amount of choices and possibilities, devoid of a definitive right or wrong answer.
