So there's a new reality show on MTV centered around students at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in downtown Cincinnati. And, as much as I hate reality shows, I decided to give it a chance. After all, it is about kids from my hometown area.
Big mistake.
I was hoping that the show would actually focus on their classes or their "strive to be the greatest" or however the ads portrayed it. But, it's just like every other MTV show. The drama is the focus because drama is what the average MTV viewer thrives on.
I'm a little sad about that. Not that I expected a group of high school students to paint Cincinnati in the best light, but it would at least be nice for them to rise above. At a young age, they already have an idea of what they want out of life - or I at least suspect that they do, since they took the initiative to go to a performing arts high school. It's just disappointing that they come across like every other kid, no matter how wayward.
Maybe next time I'll listen to my instincts about reality TV.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
The Lord of the Rings FTW!
As I sit here, watching The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King for the umpteenth time, something occurred to me: There will never be any heroes that can compare to those in Middle Earth.
There's a reason the J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy epic has stayed in the hearts of readers - and now movie-watchers - since the sixties. The characters are highly relatable, even if they are fantastical creatures such as elves, dwarves or talking/walking trees.
Take the hobbits, for instance. From the get-go, these four are at a disavantage. They're half the height of men and elves, not nearly as stout as a dwarf, and they have no magical powers to speak of. They're creatures of habit, content to stay in their villages and take care of their duties from day to day, hardly ever wondering what lay beyond their borders. Then, thanks to a ring, they are forced into situations that would never have happened, even in their wildest dreams.
And, here's the thing: they rise above. They don't have to get bit by a genetically-altered spider or have the money for some fancy gadgets. They simply do what needs to be done. Sure, they have help, some of it magical. But, in the end, it comes down to what they are capable of. It's a matter of their bravery, their willpower, their sense of loyalty - and their ability to do what needs to be done.
Against a backdrop of a world that some of us wish we could live in, and none of us will ever see, these ordinary creatures succeed in extraordinary circumstances. They are Everymen. So you can keep Spiderman and Superman, and even Batman. I'll take Frodo Baggins and Aragorn over them anyday.
There's a reason the J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy epic has stayed in the hearts of readers - and now movie-watchers - since the sixties. The characters are highly relatable, even if they are fantastical creatures such as elves, dwarves or talking/walking trees.
Take the hobbits, for instance. From the get-go, these four are at a disavantage. They're half the height of men and elves, not nearly as stout as a dwarf, and they have no magical powers to speak of. They're creatures of habit, content to stay in their villages and take care of their duties from day to day, hardly ever wondering what lay beyond their borders. Then, thanks to a ring, they are forced into situations that would never have happened, even in their wildest dreams.
And, here's the thing: they rise above. They don't have to get bit by a genetically-altered spider or have the money for some fancy gadgets. They simply do what needs to be done. Sure, they have help, some of it magical. But, in the end, it comes down to what they are capable of. It's a matter of their bravery, their willpower, their sense of loyalty - and their ability to do what needs to be done.
Against a backdrop of a world that some of us wish we could live in, and none of us will ever see, these ordinary creatures succeed in extraordinary circumstances. They are Everymen. So you can keep Spiderman and Superman, and even Batman. I'll take Frodo Baggins and Aragorn over them anyday.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Defining Art
I've always wanted to be able to call myself an artist. To be able to paint or sculpt and show off my creations to the world. But, what exactly is art? Today's rappers are called "artists" and I don't see them decorating any Cathedral ceilings.
I consider myself to be a fairly creative person. I write. I act. But that's not really considered artistic by anyone outside of the artsy world. Art has been defined, though I'm not sure by who, as something concrete. Something physical, that can be touched as well as seen, whether that be a sculpture or a photograph.
But why does there have to be a limitation on art? Isn't it just a creation borne of someone's thoughts, their visions? I write. I create characters and come up with scenarios to put them in to make up a story that, hopefully, is at least entertaining. Why is that not art? It's at least somewhat artistic.
It's not immediate; I think that's the problem. A book takes too long to absorb. But, with a sculpture or a picture, it's right there for you to take in on the spot. In today's culture, that's what everyone wants. Nothing seems to be worth the time, unless there's not much time involved. It's really sad that society has moved into such a fast-paced environment that stopping to enjoy something isn't an option.
So, to wrap up the rambling that this post has become, I think the idea of "art" needs to be reestablished as something to enjoy. Not something to give our lives meaning. Sure, the paintings of Van Gogh and Michaelangelo had something to say about God or the human condition, but people took the time to appreciate them.
So, regardless of your definition of art, take the time to fully enjoy it.
I consider myself to be a fairly creative person. I write. I act. But that's not really considered artistic by anyone outside of the artsy world. Art has been defined, though I'm not sure by who, as something concrete. Something physical, that can be touched as well as seen, whether that be a sculpture or a photograph.
But why does there have to be a limitation on art? Isn't it just a creation borne of someone's thoughts, their visions? I write. I create characters and come up with scenarios to put them in to make up a story that, hopefully, is at least entertaining. Why is that not art? It's at least somewhat artistic.
It's not immediate; I think that's the problem. A book takes too long to absorb. But, with a sculpture or a picture, it's right there for you to take in on the spot. In today's culture, that's what everyone wants. Nothing seems to be worth the time, unless there's not much time involved. It's really sad that society has moved into such a fast-paced environment that stopping to enjoy something isn't an option.
So, to wrap up the rambling that this post has become, I think the idea of "art" needs to be reestablished as something to enjoy. Not something to give our lives meaning. Sure, the paintings of Van Gogh and Michaelangelo had something to say about God or the human condition, but people took the time to appreciate them.
So, regardless of your definition of art, take the time to fully enjoy it.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
And here...we...go.
The only piece of advice that I've actually listened to over the past few weeks, at least in regards to the current unemployment situation, came from my former advisor at NKU: Blog.
Apparently, with a Bachelor's Degree in Theatre and Journalism, the best thing I can do is stay current, stay active - and put everything where everyone can see it. In order to eventually work for a newspaper or magazine, or even a church newsletter, blogging will not only ensure that I keep my writing skills up to date, but will also see to it that I have current samples to refer to. I finished my internship with the Community Recorder two and a half months ago, and already I can practically feel my published stories losing their effect on my portfolio.
So, here I am. Blogspot.
Already I can feel myself wondering if I'll even have anything to talk about - and will anyone care? Are there people out there who are going to want to know what I think about everything and anything life has to offer?
Well, if nothing else, it'll be an adventure.
Apparently, with a Bachelor's Degree in Theatre and Journalism, the best thing I can do is stay current, stay active - and put everything where everyone can see it. In order to eventually work for a newspaper or magazine, or even a church newsletter, blogging will not only ensure that I keep my writing skills up to date, but will also see to it that I have current samples to refer to. I finished my internship with the Community Recorder two and a half months ago, and already I can practically feel my published stories losing their effect on my portfolio.
So, here I am. Blogspot.
Already I can feel myself wondering if I'll even have anything to talk about - and will anyone care? Are there people out there who are going to want to know what I think about everything and anything life has to offer?
Well, if nothing else, it'll be an adventure.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
