Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Why WALL-E is My Spirit Robot

I'm sure many of you are familiar with idea of spirit animals, but I believe that we all have a spirit robot too.  What is a spirit robot, you ask?  Well, much like a spirit animal, a spirit robot is a robot from television or movies that embodies the personality and soul of a person.  Robots can be protective like the one from Lost in Space, aggressive like the Terminator, or transformative like Optimus Prime.

When thinking about which robot most embodies me, a few came to mind such as R2-D2, Kevin from Saved by the Bell, and most obviously, Number 5 from Short Circuit.  Number 5 is the one that most people would probably associate with me just based on both of our desires to collect input.  We're both very curious creatures.  But when starting to look a little deeper, another robot comes to mind, WALL-E.  Why WALL-E?  Well, here are some reasons.



1. He's also very curious.  He's fascinated by every little thing and is always looking to learn new things about his world.  I'm very much the same.  I am naturally curious about just about everything.

2. He appreciates the little things.  As a result of being so curious, he is able to appreciate little things that other may miss, like the beauty of a fire extinguisher in space.  I, too, often discover things that others may miss and appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of the world around me.


3. He sees the world differently than anyone else around him.  In a world filled with other robots concerned solely with their directives, WALL-E sees the treasures in the trash like light bulbs and Rubik's cubes.  I often get funny looks from people as I describe something that I see or make a connection to something that is completely abstract and different from what others see.  And I'm writing about spirit robots.  How many other people do you know who would write about that?

4. He is a collector.  Some may even say he is a hoarder.  His home is full of things he has collected from the trash.  I am also a collector.  Most of you know about my pin collection, but I also have a collection of hats, ticket stubs, Legos, and a variety of other knick knacks that I have seen and decided to keep.  Like I said, I am fascinated by the world and I collect things that showcase that appreciation.

5. He can make people laugh.  Sometimes he does this without even trying.  I can definitely relate to this.  People have been laughing at me and with me for years.

6.  He likes to dance even though he looks awkward doing it.  See the laughing at comment from above.  I have no rhythm, in fact I probably have as much rhythm as a robot, but I still like to dance.

7. It takes awhile for people to appreciate him.  Because WALL-E is so different from everyone else around him, people often treat him differently, often shunning him.  But he stays true to himself and eventually people and bots see him for the wonderful person with the huge heart he is.  I also feel like I am a difficult person to like and that people don't give me a chance when they first meet me.  But if they give me a chance and spending some time getting to know me, they will see how awesome I really am.

8. All he really wants is someone to share his world with.  He is so excited to show EVE his trinkets, and he wants so badly to hold her hand and dance with her, imitating the movie he has been watching for years.  That's all I want, too.  I know that I'm unique and interesting and see things differently, and I wish I could describe the look I constantly see on people's faces when I talk to them.  That look is starting to wear on me.  I want someone to look at me with love and appreciation, and want to hold my hand and dance with me, like WALL-E.



And that is why I think WALL-E is my spirit robot.  What about you?  Have you thought about who your spirit robot might be?  Feel free to share if you have.