My Mother at 25 My mother came to the United States from England at the age of 16, and for the next 80 years, her English accent remained intact, perhaps becoming even stronger in old age. I think she was always nostalgic for the Manchester of her youth, where she excelled at many sports and was worshipped for her skills by the other girls at school.
When I was a young immigrant, I was a bit frustrated that I could not get rid of my French accent as I did not want to be identified as a second class citizen every time I opened my mouth. But I slowly got to understand that the ladies liked it, and that it could actually be an asset in business too when I had something to sell. When I became an actor, agents would tell me that they could get me more auditions and more work if I could only get rid of my accent. But, since I could not get rid of it no matter how hard I tried, I decided to turn the liability into an asset, and I started to add "Your French Connection" to my resumes. It almost immediately helped me stand out against the competition and, even though I could not audition for most acting jobs, it helped me be better known for something specific, and I eventually managed to make a living thanks to it during a good 35 years. It also gave me more confidence to be who I actually am rather than trying to be what I was not to please people for nothing. Thanks for reminding me that. Actually, my accent has been very very good to me in the long run. And with the ladies too ...
The smartest marketers say that you are better served by being exactly the right fit for a very specific need than just pretty good as a generalist. When that need comes up, there's no competition - you are the guy. Reading your comment reminded me of that.
Thanks, cuz! The informality of these Substack posts (part journal entry, part essay) encourages a quick flow. Some of these ideas I might develop later, and because the writing would be more "serious," I might not be so free!
That's such an interesting idea, the evolutionary benefits of sexual attraction outside the tribe. There's a doctoral thesis in there.
My girlfriend is German, and damn!...it doesn't matter what she says, I just like to hear her say it. You may be the first person who has ever said something nice about a German accent (especially the women!). I'm glad you said it.
When I was a young immigrant, I was a bit frustrated that I could not get rid of my French accent as I did not want to be identified as a second class citizen every time I opened my mouth. But I slowly got to understand that the ladies liked it, and that it could actually be an asset in business too when I had something to sell. When I became an actor, agents would tell me that they could get me more auditions and more work if I could only get rid of my accent. But, since I could not get rid of it no matter how hard I tried, I decided to turn the liability into an asset, and I started to add "Your French Connection" to my resumes. It almost immediately helped me stand out against the competition and, even though I could not audition for most acting jobs, it helped me be better known for something specific, and I eventually managed to make a living thanks to it during a good 35 years. It also gave me more confidence to be who I actually am rather than trying to be what I was not to please people for nothing. Thanks for reminding me that. Actually, my accent has been very very good to me in the long run. And with the ladies too ...
You should have met my cousin Jackie, way back when!
The smartest marketers say that you are better served by being exactly the right fit for a very specific need than just pretty good as a generalist. When that need comes up, there's no competition - you are the guy. Reading your comment reminded me of that.
Interesting, Cathy. Very...
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I really enjoyed this – thanks!
So glad to know you’re reading these!
Hi Cathy,
You write so well.
I envy your fluidity.
Joel
Thanks, cuz! The informality of these Substack posts (part journal entry, part essay) encourages a quick flow. Some of these ideas I might develop later, and because the writing would be more "serious," I might not be so free!
Maybe you should read my latest novel and comment on the flow!
That's such an interesting idea, the evolutionary benefits of sexual attraction outside the tribe. There's a doctoral thesis in there.
My girlfriend is German, and damn!...it doesn't matter what she says, I just like to hear her say it. You may be the first person who has ever said something nice about a German accent (especially the women!). I'm glad you said it.
I do like to ponder the mysteries of sexual attraction.