I'm Inspired By: The Oscars

Did you guys catch the Oscars? Usually I don’t watch awards shows because honestly, they’re quite boring.

But one thing that stood out was the “Legion of Extraordinary Dancers” performance. WOW! It was a breath taking performance that juxtaposed classical ballet with breaking and pop locking. It’s crazy to see that performance come to fruition. I remember going to school at Brentwood and I would get in trouble at the dances. I was told by the administration that I couldn’t bring anymore of my “outside” friends to the parties. Most of them were Hip Hop dancers, “housers” with backpacks, baggy clothes who performed crazy flips. The message I got was that Hip Hop was neither welcomed in the gym dances or in the “modern” ballet classes. But that was in 93. Even worse was citing rap lyrics on English term papers when comparing Shakespeare or Arthur Miller. My teachers had no frame of reference for the poetry and so they dismissed it. Actually they completely dissed it.

And then there it was…break dancing at the Oscars. It made me want to cry. Hip Hop is no longer the language of the edge-dwellers and has gone main stream for some time. But to see it in its infinite grace and beauty at the awards; I was floored. I think we take it for granted. But I remember when it was just something that “those kids” did, including me. But what would the world look like without Hip Hop? Would Obama be president? Think about that for a minute.

Shak
100.

I'm Inspired By: Aristotle

Aristotle suggested, "A tragedy is the imitation of an action that is serious and also, as having magnitude, complete in itself ... with incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish its catharsis of such emotions."

I don't know why I'm enthralled by Tragedy. Macbeth was by far my favorite Shakespearean play. I had such high hopes for him before his downfall. Perhaps it's the depth of emotion that occurs when I engage in the Tragic Hero's journey. I feel a sense of release by empathizing with the character. One thing's for sure, I better be careful what I'm paying attention to because reality has a way of mirroring art.

Come on...happy, happy thoughts. No more dating guys that mirror Joaquin Phoenix's deep-brooding, poor, tortured soul. (Ahem)

I think it's the tragedies that make the most apathetic hearts feel something. And isn't that what acting is all about? Making the audience FEEL. It's wonderful to laugh and to experience joy while taking in a flick. But sometimes, in those dark and seemingly isolated theatres when we cry our hearts out for the "tragic character"; we're become deeply invested in his/her final results. But why? In effect, we're sympathizing with the character while also purifying ourselves from personal past hurt.

In a world where feeling and emotions are somewhat Taboo. And boys are told to 'act like a man', translation, don't show your emotions or else you'll be perceived as weak. The opportunities for emotional release are few and far between. Thank god for the mighty Arts, it is the goal...no it is the job of the artist to conjure up human emotions like a alchemist turns lead into gold.

I have to quote Yeezy here to illustrate my point, "Now I speak from the heart, you all fronting. Everybody feel a way about K but at least you all feel something." Couldn't agree with him more. Most characters, I mean people, are just blah, blah, blah...just there in the background. I couldn't pin-point if most folks annoy me, inspire me, irritate me or what. They're just there. Wouldn't the world be much more interesting if folks weren't afraid to be who they really are?

Shak

100.