is waif
THE POWER OF WAIF
I recently discovered the waif magazine after my friend recommended it to me. At first, I struggled to understand the concept of waif, as a word I’d never heard of. In this particular context, it just seemed like a word that literary scholars would not approve of. Yet, since then, I have found my deep-rooted love for everything waif – the word, its meaning and the new ways it allowed me to think.
In a xenophobic world, waif encourages embracing the uncomfortable, the overlooked and the frowned upon. Instead of describing such objects, concepts or beliefs as irrelevant or unimportant, even scary, waif highlights the significance of the smallest and most under appreciated things within society. By labelling these things as waif, it’s depicted them in a much more positive light, rather than dismissing them as ordinary. Waif allows a new perspective that allows me to appreciate the smaller, or unknown things within society.
Waif also celebrates the individual. Waif encourages non-conformity and doing what makes one’s soul thrive. Waif inspires confidence, encourages self- expression and celebrates the unique achievements of human experience (as seen within every issue of “is waif” mag), uniting people of all different backgrounds, beliefs, nationalities, ages, generations, genders etc. For me at least, it has inspired me to go outside my comfort zone, attempting to write a piece of work to give me piece of mind whilst studying human anatomy and biology. I feel if everyone who read waif magazine sat in a room together it would make for a very interesting assembly. The Waif concept inspires individuals to be the fullest version of themselves, at the loudest volume.
"I feel if everyone who read waif magazine sat in a room together it would make for a very interesting assembly. The Waif concept inspires individuals to be the fullest version of themselves, at the loudest volume."
Waif allows for a doorway of freethinking, beyond preconceived ideas of what is good and bad as taught to us from childhood. Although “good” and “bad” are arguably as subjective as the term waif, the morals, values, beliefs, political views and religious backgrounds that were demonstrated within our households
and society as children highly influence our adult perceptions of what is good and bad. This ultimately effects the way we view the world and the relationships we create in the present and future. However, because Waif Magazine targets young adults/adults, it is introducing a new way of thinking, inviting readers to steer away from preconceived notions, on a pilgrimage to find their own definition and opinions surrounding waif culture, and what is waif. Unlike the ideals surrounding good and bad, where one might get judged for a differing perception of “good”, the understanding of Waif is 100% personal to the individual, and celebrates individuals thoughts, opinions and actions (as long as they are making a positive impact) driving away judgement and negativity that is present within our communities.
The Waif philosophy is a reflection of modern-day culture and individualism. It is a clever, innovative word that encourages and celebrates individuality, whilst uniting people from around the world to share their experience, thoughts and opinions in various literary forms. For me, Waif has changed the way I think and perceive things, encouraging me to adapt to a more open-minded mindset on the world.