Stop making stupid people famous.
This phrase has been popping up all over the Internet in recent months and I wanted a chance to weigh in. So....here I go.Let's start with the definition of the word stupid.
1. lacking intelligence or common sense.
Within the parameters of this definition, I am positive I have been stupid many times in my life'just ask my wife. So, let's change the theme ever so slightly.Stop wasting your valuable time and money making people famous or
rewarding them for having no perceivable skills, redeeming attributes
and/or any noticeable talent.
We are living in an era when an incredible variety of great music, art, literature, movies, etc. is readily available to us. Yet many people willfully choose to waste countless hours watching mind numbing reality shows, listening to moronic music and debating the importance of talentless celebrities.
"Celebrity is the chastisement of merit and the punishment of talent." - Emily Dickinson
Damn, people.....let's get hip and elevate your mind just a little bit!
Raise the bar above the din of mediocrity!
Reward people with real talent!
Working hard, being well read and intellectually engaged does not make you an elitist. It makes you an informed person. It is ok to be educated. It is ok to be curious and ask questions. You have so many options at your fingertips....
Why would you choose mediocrity?
"The only sin is mediocrity."-Martha Graham
I am not suggesting you have to disengage from pop culture entirely but maybe work on widening your cultural parameters and retain a bit of balance. Also, I am not implying that there is no intrinsic value in pop culture or there are no pop artists that are innovative, creative and worthwhile. There are plenty of talented people working in the realm of pop culture. However, if you look beyond the mainstream you will find an incredible array of music, literature, movies, plays, etc. that you never knew existed. Many of these styles and artists are very accessible and you don't need to be an insider or hipster to "get it". You just need an open and inquisitive mind.
{Full disclosure: I watch reality shows on the Food Network, interact with Facebook throughout the day and enjoy goofy "Bromance" movies. I also teach courses dealing with Pop culture.)
Get outside of your cultural comfort zone and routines.
"When you go out of your comfort zone and it works there's nothing
more satisfying."-Kristen Wiig
Here are some suggestions to help you get out of your cultural comfort zone:
- Watch documentaries.
- Read non-fiction books.
- Listen to many musical styles you are unfamiliar with.
- Watch foreign movies ... with subtitles.
- Listen to Podcasts dealing with very specific cultural or artistic subjects.
- Read newspapers from foreign countries.
- Go to the library.
- Go hear live music. Don't limit yourself to one style.....check out everything your area has to offer.
- Go to live performances of plays, musicals, ballet, poetry readings, etc.
- Very city (no matter what size) has a cultural "scene". Get involved.
- Go to a museum.
- If you live close to a college or university, check out all of the lectures, concerts and theater performances that are offered each semester. Many of these events are free and open to the public.
- Whenever possible consult (hang out) with people who are knowledgeable about a specific genre within the arts. (e.g., experts, scholars, critics, extremely knowledgeable fans, etc.)
- Interact with people from a cultural background that is different than yours.
- The Internet! There is a website, blog, FB page for almost every style of music, literature, theater, movies, dance, etc. Join the conversations and investigate the information being disseminated.
- Be curious and educate yourself.
Be enthusiastic!
"Enthusiasm is the electricity of life. How do you get it? You act
enthusiastic until you make it a habit." -Gordon Parks
If you find something or someone you like, (outside of the mainstream)....Support them!
That means actually purchasing their music, movies, books, etc.
Also, forward you discoveries to your friends. I have been turned on to a lot of great non-mainstream music because my friends have shared their favorite artists with me.
I know these suggestions seem like common sense (see the definition for stupid) but sometimes the simplest idea will propel you in a new and positive direction. Isn't it worth being curious and possibly discovering something that will change your life and the way you live in the world?
Enjoy the journey.
Chuck