This is the sixth in a series of articles about what it means to be a lifelong artist and the myriad of situations you may encounter along the way.
For example, as you begin promoting your artwork and you begin attracting some attention or interest, you may notice a behavior common to what in the world of mainstream celebrities is referred to as the paparazzi. The difference is that in the world of independent artists or other creatives, these “curious” types are likely at a lower level of “professionalism.” They may be considered peeping Toms or just plain strange ones.
Rather than using expensive cameras to capture images worth thousands of dollars, they may use their cell phones for questionable purposes. Other clues that these persons are of the less professional type is that they seek work that requires the least amount of work. They either have few skills or would rather sit around or stand around than be productive.
Another characteristic of this type is that they often give themselves away very readily. They themselves want to be “known” by the person they are stalking. As a result, they may also suffer from the “poor timing syndrome,” the “poor judgment syndrome” or the “foot-in-the-mouth syndrome” so to speak. They may laugh too loud and too often thinking that everyone else who is laughing is laughing with them when in fact everyone else who is laughing, is laughing at them—a bumbling or bungling type.
These types often attract each other. So, if they are “working” in a group, they may also be categorized as “gang stalkers.” Gang stalking may or may not be a new phenomenon. What is clear is that less expensive technology has made their activity much easier. Before electronic locks, cell phones and laptops, much of the activity they engage in would have been near impossible.
Though there is currently little information available about gang stalkers, they can be analyzed and categorized psychologically. The goals of the gang may vary. One of the members may be attempting to “get to know you,” figure out how much money you have, thwart your promotional efforts or become your assistant. Someone may believe he or she has some score to settle with you.
Rather than become annoyed by the members of the gang, attempt to understand them so that you can easily spot them and point them out to others if necessary. They are likely “lost ones.” They may be the “black sheep” of their families for various reasons such as laziness or a personality disorder. Does the fact that there may be a disability mean you should befriend such a person? Not unless you truly have time to befriend him or her. You, as an artist who is attempting to maximize your creative time don’t have that kind of time. Befriending this type would not help your artistic efforts.
Befriending any member of a stalking gang would do just the opposite–avert your focus from your work onto them as “needy types,” starving for attention and/or purpose. You cannot feed that kind of void. It is never filled. It is a bottomless pit. Leave the “finding” and/or “saving” of the lost ones to the missionaries. In fact, missionary families and pastoral families have “lost ones” even among themselves. Any connections you make should be with persons who can increase your success as an artist.
Most of these types do not make the first effort to communicate verbally. They likely won’t say anything to you unless you say something to them. Don’t. That’s fine. If they say anything to you at all, it may be apparent that they have been given scripts. There is a reason your parents told you not to talk to strangers. These people see you as being the one with the strength. Any attention you give them will cause them to seek more. It is a vicious cycle you do not have time to get sucked into.
It is likely that many of these gang members struggle with addictions. You might notice a type of litter in your path that brings attention to their addictions—drug addictions, food addictions, even sexual addictions or sexual perversions. Addictions can stunt a person’s level of mental and emotional development. These people may continue to talk and act like teenagers (or even children) well into their adult years. You might overhear one of them say to another something that sounds goofy—not in the comical sense but in a strange, immature manner. This might explain why their families become frustrated to the point of disowning them—sheer public embarrassment.
These types may also have difficulty controlling their emotions. You might hear them tapping and pounding around their vehicles or in a shared apartment building. They may slam doors–anything to make you aware that they have “needs.” You are not a psychiatrist. You are an artist. Very few people overcome their addictions for life. Don’t think you have all the answers. If you feel so strongly about helping these persons give up your artwork, go to school and study to become a counselor.
Again, this is not your problem. These people want you to pity them, but what affect will your sympathy have? They will eat it up and want more. You will get sucked into their world of addiction. You need time for your own “addiction” in life—your artwork. The more time you spend with your art, your craft or your area of study, the more likely you will become a highly skilled, knowledgeable and well adjusted individual.
God is well aware of the lost persons and may even have sent one or two of them in your direction, because you are kinder and more patient than the average person. Depending upon how long the gang members have been “following you around,” anyone else would be yelling at them, throwing things at them, damaging their vehicles–possibly beating them or worse. Don’t stoop to that level. Think about it. If these persons have been rejected by their own family members, they are a sorry lot. Don’t be cruel to them but don’t befriend them either. Be aware of them and go about your business. Your mission is to impart whatever it is you are hoping to impart with your artwork. You may have an artistic calling from God. Let the mainstream continue to operate in the mainstream and the lost ones continue to seek someone who has time for them.
Finally, there are good cops and there are bad cops. Bad cops can be influenced by gang stalkers. They may even join the gangs, especially if they lose their jobs to errors in perception, judgment or decision making. If there is truly a score to settle, the most productive one will likely prevail. Idle persons usually wind up in the most trouble. Let God settle the score. Keep your thinking on a higher level and you will be A-OK.