"Alternative Lifestyle"

A recent review of Rhythm and Blues focused on the celebrity aspect of the book. Fifteen year old Kayla said:

“It definitally[sic] made me wonder if a lot of celebrities I’ve heard of are actually like they portray themselves on talk shows and in interviews or if they’re just playing a part for publicity reasons.”

I’d extend that thought and ask: Do you think it’s only celebrities who present an idealized version of themselves for society? Or can you think of ways that every day people play different “roles” to fit in?

A term used towards the end of the piece raised another question for me: Is being gay an “alternative lifestyle”? If so, what is it an alternative to? An alternative to being honest about and proud of who you are? An alternative to living according to your fear of what others might think of you? What do you think of the term “alternative lifestyle,” and do readers need warnings?

Update:
There’s lots of discussion about this post happening on Facebook:
on my profile page & on my “fan” page

Check it out, or jump in on the comments, below.