Onions are like...

I remember the first time I heard someone compare their complex identity to an onion. I shouldn’t have to explain why, but at first it seemed like such a simple and useful analogy –especially when compared to other produce items (which my mind usually limits itself to when confronted with “come up with something better”).

I have problems with the onion analogy.

First, my life has never been organized enough to establish layers. And just when I think I can distinguish two different ideas, they merge and influence each other.

Second, an onion can only have so many layers. Even a giant onion has fewer layers than the issues I work through my head before noon.

Third, an onion only develops once. Lets say I can compact all my complexities into the limited number of layers in an onion, what if I want to change?

Forth, onions are accessible. Pealing back one layer reveals a new one. This can’t work as an analogy because I surprise myself all the time with crazy preconceived/subconscious notions.

Fifth, I’m not an onion. I believe people love to make comparisons to naturally occurring phenomenon because if it exists in nature “it’s gotta be true.” Right? Well, I’m not an onion, stream or a hound dog. I’m a person who is complex –just like other people.