Original Thought?

Posted Monday, February 4, 2008, at 4:09 PM

Where is original thought?

Did it disappear with the mass marketing of pop stars who turn a quick buck for the music industry?

Or was its day of death when Hollywood blockbusters were systematically turned out with different actors repeating the same old cliché?

Maybe, original thought has been silenced by our addiction to greed.

Has our pursuit of passion and truth been traded in for a life full of comforting things?

Have we allowed art and music to be cheapened by media's mass production of mediocracy?

Will history class teach the next generation that the pursuit of truth and knowledge through the arts is archaic and extinct?

And what will be left of art education in the public school system after overbearing mandates slowly chop its budget money away?

Will our children trade pursuit of passion for a cheap thrill into virtual reality?

Will they be scientists, lawyers and doctors by day and fill their homes with the comforts of video games, Internet and HDTV by night?

Will they shun the original thought of music, art and philosophy for more lucrative opportunities?

And who will be here to remind them that living passionately is not always a comfortable place to be?

Comments
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"And what will be left of art education in the public school system after overbearing mandates slowly chop its budget money away?"

Nothing more; I hope.I'm not sure money is the issue in some cases. Look at Linton Stockton Junior High and High School or what I like to call the "Art Free Zone". Last year the administration did away with hands-on art classes and replaced them with art history saying that there was not enough interest to keep the program alive. Those on the inside know that is NOT true. There are other schools in our county that are maintaining art programs. Amazingly Linton, with all its money, is not among them!

"Have we allowed art and music to be cheapened by media's mass production of mediocrity?"

In my humble opinion, there is ART and there is COMMERCE. As long as we don't mistake one for the other then it becomes clear that we have both. What is popular, for the most part, is COMMERCE. Very little true art is popular.

-- Posted by Mr. F on Mon, Feb 4, 2008, at 7:02 PM

Clarifying my statement: I hope that current trends do NOT continue and NOTHING MORE is taken away from arts education.

-- Posted by Mr. F on Mon, Feb 4, 2008, at 8:43 PM

I've heard there are only ten plots when it comes to movies... for example: good vs. evil, etc. I don't know them all, but if anyone has the list, I'd like to know.

-- Posted by The Raven on Mon, Feb 4, 2008, at 11:06 PM

Can someone here please give me any original thought that doesn't involve theology?

-- Posted by timberly on Tue, Feb 5, 2008, at 8:08 AM

and Timberly--- thats one area where original thought might be a mistake :)

-- Posted by silerCityDude on Tue, Feb 5, 2008, at 6:05 PM

Well, as they say, there is nothing new under the sun. It's merely one's understanding of a concept. That 'light bulb' moment. I heard somewhere that if you think you have an 'original thought' you should stop reading or learning further or you'll discover otherwise.

That said, I do agree we are all 'numbing out' in life with all our current technology beckoning us away from actually even sitting and thinking.

I think everyone has a need to 'create' and it is sad that many kids are no longer learning how to create and express themselves. Could that be a reason drug use is on the rise? People are so stifled creatively that they can't stand it? Although they may not know it.

There is an excellent book called 'The Artist's Way", by Julia Cameron, which is basically an 8 week journey to reawaken your inner artist. I think it was week four or so that for the entire week you were asked not to engage in any 'mindless' activities that simply eat up your time and rob you of the chance to be creative. Watching TV/surfing the net/ etc., anything we use to numb out. That was the longest week of my life, but I sure got a lot accomplished! I need to go redo that book.

Hmm, maybe that is something someone passionate could volunteer time to teach kids, or even adults; Art/creativity.

-- Posted by STILLHOPEFUL on Tue, Feb 5, 2008, at 6:51 PM

I'm happily reminded of my favorite comedian in the world- Eddie Izzard

contemplating 'orginal sin' (sorry about that theology referral!)

Confessor to Priest- I've sinned and slept with my neighbors wife

Priest- HEARD IT! I want orignal sin! Come back when have an original sin.

Confessor- Well, I poked a badger with a spoon.

Ok, ok, so you had to be there. Eddie Izzard Dress to Kill HBO special. HILARIOUS

-- Posted by STILLHOPEFUL on Tue, Feb 5, 2008, at 10:53 PM

It's amazing to me that the closer we get to god the more he reveals to us.

We are all given tools,how we use them is up to us.Some choose not to.If you where meant to be Plummer,you will struggle being a Teacher.Some of us get so self centered we forget to lift up our children to HELP them and LEAD them so that they will find thier tools and use them.WANT MORE, GIVE MORE!!

-- Posted by JMORROW on Wed, Feb 6, 2008, at 7:38 AM

JMORROW, I really wish more people would grasp what you just said about struggling until you go down the path that was meant for you. So true! So, so true!

-- Posted by The Raven on Wed, Feb 6, 2008, at 7:43 AM

"If you where meant to be Plummer,you will struggle being a Teacher" WHAT? Are you saying that people are pre-destined to be certain professions? The bottom line is that people make their own decisions and have to live with the results. To even suggest that our lives are to follow a pre-determind path is an irresponsible statement that empowers the lazy and non-productive to continue to do nothing. I can hear it now "I can't help it I don't work, this is who I was mean to be"

-- Posted by Minerfan on Wed, Feb 6, 2008, at 10:18 AM

If you want to surf the big waves,you will have to get off the boat.I think you know what I meant.Seek and you will find,look deep within yourself. GOD BLESS.

-- Posted by JMORROW on Wed, Feb 6, 2008, at 10:40 AM

Jmorrow...I get you. We all have a gift for one special thing.

I've delivered mail, been a substitute teacher and flipped burgers.

But, the gift I have to offer has nothing to do with those things.

-- Posted by timberly on Wed, Feb 6, 2008, at 12:52 PM