There’s that idea that imitation is the highest form of flattery. If someone likes an artist’s work, they imitate it.
I also think impersonation is similarly flattering. We find ourselves doing impersonations of people like Robert De Niro or Christopher Walken.
Some might find it strange or even offensive if someone is impersonating them, or creating an impression of them.
I guess it can be offensive if it’s done in order to belittle or make fun of; but even then I think it can still be flattering. We can merely remove the person’s intent and look at what they are doing:
They are doing what you do. They are making themselves the way you recognisably you are.
That’s fantastic.
It means what you do is not only clear, but it’s unique, recognisable and it sticks.
You can’t buy that.
You earn that by being you. An impression is the bold cartoonish outline of the bundle of specificities that make you.
I’d much rather be impressionable that generic, abstract or forgettable.
Yes! Do my voice, copy my mannerisms! What are the types of things I say?! Yes go on, say ‘em!
That’s called a stake in the ground.
