COPYCAT

“Copying” – a very familiar and seemingly simple word, but when it comes to real life and social media, it can often create controversies. In today’s article, I will discuss different aspects of copying, and I invite you to reflect on your thoughts after reading this article.

Do you remember the article “Impersonation and its values” I have shared before? If you have read it, you will easily recognize that I am just a person with ordinary emotions expressed through my writings. There have been times when I disagreed or disliked seeing others “impersonate” or “copy”. However, as I delved deeper into the complexities of life, I discovered subtle values that helped me gain different perspectives on objects, events, and people around me.

So now, whenever I see someone’s effort, in which they have devoted so much of their intelligence, finances, time, etc. into perfecting, being intentionally impersonated and copied, I immediately ask myself about how I can help others feel more comfortable when facing this issue.

I would like to share a true story from one of the classes I attended before to provide you with a deeper insight into my personal perspective on “Copying”.

Once, one of the classmates sent a message to our class’s group chat, saying that someone had copied our teacher’s ideas on their channel. Each member of the class had different attitudes and reactions upon reading that message. Some defended the teacher, some showed expressions of disbelief, and others, like me, read it silently and left. I know that my classmates have the right to think and consider copying someone’s ideas as wrong and condemnable. I did not know if those who remained silent shared the same viewpoint as mine, however, for me, silence is not equivalent to an agreement or a disagreement. It just simply represents my unique perspective.

This story reminded me of another incident related to my project, Truly Inspired. Some time ago, Truly Inspired was preparing to launch an idea that our team was enthusiastic and dedicated about. However, a few days before introducing the idea, I discovered that our idea coincided with a well-known and respected organisation in Vietnam, which was going viral on various social media platforms.

Can you believe it? Our teacher’s idea was so similar to that person’s that the only difference was a single word in the name, even though we had no prior knowledge of their project or a deep understanding of that organisation.

In reality, Truly Inspired‘s idea had not been implemented yet, but imagine if we had launched it at the same time as that prominent organisation. Would we have been labelled as “copycats”? It was evident that everything on our page is the result of our own thoughts, ideas derived from ordinary life experiences and individual perspectives. However, it coincided surprisingly, and a little bit too much, with the other organisation. A member of our team jokingly responded to my announcement, saying, “Oh, wow, this is what they call a great idea coming together. Who knows if it was copied from each other 😀 “.

Going back to the group chat story in my class, upon rereading the message, I felt somewhat uncomfortable because many people assumed that the person had copied the teacher. However, thanks to awareness, I quickly understood that human beings always go through similar stages of development: being born, growing up, ageing, and dying. It is a crucial life cycle that all of us have to experience.

This is similar to when certain companies or organisations operate in the same industry or field; their development will also be similar. Regardless of the size or financial resources of your organisation, you will undergo similar developmental processes because they revolve around the same knowledge and formulas.

I understand that all comparisons can be imperfect and differ from one another. However, what I want to emphasise is that even though development and knowledge systems may be similar, there will always be different expressions between individuals and organisations, and from there, we can reflect more on ourselves and better recognise our own value. Trust me, our state of mind will be much more comfortable when we think of everything this way…

Whenever you see someone copying you, try thinking like this: “It is possible that their level of development and mine are similar. They are also walking their own path, just like me. So, there will be times when our growth intersects, resembling each other from a certain perspective”.

If you are able to allow yourself to comprehend things in such a way, you will be spared the trouble of worrying that they are deliberately copying, because remember that not everyone actually copies you. Just like the story of Truly Inspired‘s idea and that other large organisation.

However, I am saying this not because I support those who intentionally copy or deliberately imitate the original, my dear friend!

If you have an idea or a high-quality product, protect it by registering its copyright, even if it may be costly. However, if even your own work, idea, or “spiritual child” – which is the product of your creativity in this case – cannot be protected, then we have no right to compel others not to copy it!

Our elders often say, “First blame yourself, then blame others”, so first and foremost, you must introspect and “deal with” ourselves first, and only after that should you start to worry about others.

That is exactly how I handle my own emotions and thoughts when encountering similar situations. Every time I try to set myself to think in that manner, I  honestly feel so much lighter. Reflecting upon oneself and filtering out unintended matters will bring us a way more “relaxed” life. If a person lacks the ability to utilise their inner strength to overcome unfavourable circumstances, it will be difficult for them to achieve the success they desire.

My dear friend,

“Copying” is also a practical lesson when stepping into the business world. Always protect your own products and ideas. When we truly understand the value of ourselves, who we are, and what we are capable of, then we can easily let go of our attachments and embrace life with a lighter and more peaceful perspective.

You should also remember that although copying is a way to describe the repetition of objects or events that are nearly identical, the “soul” of each version will bring forth different values and perceptions. Different conveyors will bring about distinct influences and beauty. The important question here is, are you truly confident in the values and messages that you are transmitting yourself?

Always remain confident even when there are numerous other “copies” out there, or even when you are labelled as a “copy” yourself. The value and knowledge you contribute will surely possess a “soul,” and that soul can only be you and belong to you only!

Much love,
Truly Inspired