Dotan about #insidemybones

Did you also see those unfiltered photos popping up on Instagram over the weekend? Then there was a good chance that the hashtag #insidemybones plus an honest story was the caption. Singer Dotan made a call to everyone to share an honest and real story on social media, also to our editors.

Why the hashtag #insidemybones?

“For multiple reasons. I became increasingly annoyed by the fact that the representation on social media is not always very honest. It is concerning how successful and filtered everything seems. I am looking for real stories, not just in photos, but also in emotions. I shared my story because I wanted to become a bit more personal. Normally, I also put a filter on it, because you quickly think: who is waiting for that story? But that’s why you only see success.”
You say you hide behind black and white, why do you do that? 

“Because I think it looks nice, but it also smooths out imperfections in photos. I see this not only in myself, but I notice that everyone has a kind of personal filter. On my own feed, I only shared the beautiful things. And then I heard people say: ‘Everything you touch turns to gold’ or: ‘Everything is going well and you are just traveling’. But there are moments that no one sees, that you don’t feel that way and you don’t share those. I wish we could all be a bit more honest. Then you inspire each other much more and it makes you less insecure.”

Is it harder for famous people to do this? 

“Definitely. When you share something, it can be picked up by the press. A story becomes bigger or is taken out of context. So you only see a quote on a site, but that is not the essence of your story. The reach is larger, which makes you feel more pressure. For many famous people, it is also just work. You are the illusion and the idol, people look up to you and think you have it all together. But then it is precisely good to show the human side. It can be more honest, unfiltered. Call on people to do it too. This goes for you editors as well, because I think many people look up to them too. Which I understand, but that’s why it’s beautiful to share.”

What do you hope to achieve with #insidemybones? 

“I am not a messiah and I do not expect the world to change. But if one percent of the people sees it, looks at it and thinks: wow, I feel less alone when I read this… If I can cause that, then I am grateful and proud. You often struggle with something, think you are the only one who sees it this way, but suddenly see that someone with a million followers feels it too.”

“You are the illusion and the idol, people look up to you and think you have it all together”

Is there a story that impressed you?

“I found Isa Hoes” story very impressive. Aside from the fact that you know what she has been through. I grew up with her on television, in my eyes she was a perfect woman. Super good at her work, beautiful. And then you read that she was bullied so much, I never thought that. I found the reactions moving and that’s what it’s about. When you break through the bubble for a moment, you see the other layers inside. Typhoon was very special, also because I think he stands on a huge pedestal. Rightly so, because he is amazing. But it was recognizable, that you always want to achieve more and never find yourself good enough. The perfectionism. I also see the stories of people who are not famous. A girl shared something that no one knew, that she had a pre-stage of cancer. Her feed was full of beautiful photos and suddenly her friends found out about it on Instagram. All because you want to maintain that picture perfect image.”

What do you think about that?

“I understand it, you present the best version of yourself. Something that is beautiful, looks good. Instagram is voyeurism and exhibitionism, making the world more beautiful. I am not anti-sharing beautiful things from your life, but if you only do that, it can make people insecure and unhappy. The one who posts and the person who sees it. Sometimes you fool your followers and yourself. Or you are sitting behind your desk at your office job and see someone with six children and a perfect body traveling the world. Then you also wonder what you are actually doing there. It makes you insecure.”

 
It seems like everyone kind of apologizes before they post #insidemybones, what do you think about that? 

“People find it scary to do, that’s what I hear the most. I actually don’t dare, but I want to share a message. They are under the impression that it has to be beautiful, so they start with ‘sorry’. But it does break the taboo, allowing you to share what you want to share. A success story, but also the other side. It actually shows beautifully that you first apologize for becoming a bit heavier and more substantial.”

Do you think people are too hard on themselves?

“Yes and no. You are focused on the perfect picture, but you should also be stricter by looking honestly in the mirror, do you understand what I mean? Be stricter with yourself, so that you are more honest.”

And to set a good example, our May posted a nice picture of her girls with the hashtag #insidemybones. You too?