The word “selfie” is a millennial term used so often it was a recent addition in the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Some consider it vain, and others take it for what it is—a simple picture of oneself. This week I asked each of my professors to take a selfie with me, which lead to very interesting conversations about the notorious selfie and their opinions on it.
At the end of class on a Tuesday, I asked my journalism professor if I could take a selfie with him for an article I was writing. He looked very strangely at me, which was understandable in this semi-awkward moment of my existence. He then began, “Sure, sure! I take selfies all the time,” and proceeded to show me many selfies in various business and formal outfits. “I take them when I am bored,” he said.
The following day I felt confident enough to approach the remainder of my professors. I thought that maybe they all take selfies from time to time, and I was just being naïve in thinking it was mostly my generation.
My next professor actually teaches a course in which they discuss the selfie and the entomology of the word. Unsurprisingly, it came about when front and back cameras were introduced. Although she admits she does not personally take selfies, she said she does appreciate them in an artistic context.
My French professor does not participate in selfie-taking either. He said he is married to a photographer who takes his “selfies” for him.
My final selfie of the day was with my poetry professor. He said he takes selfies on occasion, usually with his wife on holidays.
As bizarre of a task as it was, I am glad I did it because the conversations I had with my professors most likely would not have occurred in any other scenario. Profs take selfies too! Who knew?