So. “What the f**k have you done lately?…”
The question posed in the last line of semi-recent uber-sexy, ultra-violent, turbo-actioner Wanted -and one I feel we should all ask the mirror once in a while.
For once over the hills of childish exuberance and teenage naivety and prior to what is sneered at by sensible little citizens as ’mid-life crises’ or senile recklessness, the allure of a safe, sanitised middle-life can become overwhelming.
We put ourselves in convenient little boxes well within ’comfort zones’. We let roles and labels and certified ‘skills’ define us. And deep inside us, another little bit of our 6 year old selves whimpers and dies.
One of the reasons I believe that so many people become painfully addicted to the likes of televised X-Factor auditions, is their utter relief at watching others fail, so as to make themselves feel ’normal’. It’s also why most observational comedy goes down so well. Such X-Factor/ Got Talent never-gonna-be’s are trotted out as a permissible freakshow in our pc world to massage the regrettable human need to feel superior. And that’s even before Joe & Josephine Public are granted the ’lines are now open’ god-like power to make and grow bored of careers.
And okay, whilst many of the desperately passionate (or should that be the other way around?) warbling wanna-be’s would be better off seeking professional help other than that of a voice coach, I say - more power to them!
Because here are folk embodying the true spirit of punk. Disregard for a moment their delusions of grandeur, here are a band of souls so set on a dream that they thumb their noses at having the honed skills and impeccable credentials (okay - and in many cases - even a jot of talent) that they are willing to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous ribbing. And to this end, I have far more time for such perceived ‘failures’ than those armchair pundits taking mean-spirited pleasure from atop idling high horses.
For those who can (or wish they could) - do. Those who can’t - become critics.
This was all brought to mind yesterday. Improvising in the snow with my children, misappropriating their summertime ‘wave boards’ as makeshift snow boards (incidentally, the most hilarious fun I’ve ever had in the snow) my son quizzed me in readiness for his forthcoming skiing holiday with his mother.
Now my one foray onto the slopes was short and woeful and saw me drawing the kind of tear stained hilarity befitting an X-Factor drop-out, so although my counsel is likely to prove unworthy in many respects, my advice to my son was simple: “Don’t be afraid to make a complete tit of yourself.”
Being shy by nature but playful by heart, I’ve embraced my shortcomings and plunged wholeheartedly into such pursuits as performing comedy, creating music and attempting sporting feats that my body and brain have no real inclination or ability to. Now whilst most ’sensible’ people would probably rather run into a burning building than confront assured humiliation, do you know what? - in the process of exploring my many ineptitudes - man, I’ve had some fun!
My youngest had a homework assignment this weekend to write a couple of lines that could be used as a radio jingle for her school. Always an advocate of putting in some extra effort (well, admittedly more so of others homework that I ever was my own) I suggested that we compose a simple backing track, throw in a couple of sound effects and record it. Which we duly did. Playing it back, my youngest was pleased with the result but not her singing. Fearing embarrassment in class, she suggested that this was a project best kept between the two of us. I told her that it was entirely her call, but that by showing such imagination and initiative, she had in her hands a CD to be proud of - and even if she only plays it to Mummy and her Teacher, didn’t we have huge fun pulling it all together?
Because outside of certain governing Laws - and if you’re of a slavish religious bent, dubious doctrines - we fortunates in the Western World pretty much have an open playing field to do and try as we please. What a gift! And surely one not to be squandered? So what if a few unenlightened braggarts mock and sneer, gape and jeer? Fie on them!
Even if you’re unwilling, unready or unable to throw yourself to the lions just yet, take a look around you. In uncertain and trying times, there are still brave souls all around us; start up companies/ small business, local bands and comedy clubs, underfunded & underexposed charities… People of dreams who fly against the harsh winds of sensible safety with passion and drive that deserve our encouragement and support, I hope you agree.
So. Maybe we could all do with demanding of the mirror once in a while: “What the f**k have you done lately?…”
Sunday, 8 February 2009
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It's interesting that many talented children don't want to stand out with their peers and risk ridicule or being different. Bet your daughter was secretly chuffed and perhaps will share the jingle with her class.
ReplyDeleteMy sense of humour and ability to get up in front of the school and do stuff saved me from being bullied/written off as the fat, poor, specky loser. I think self-confidence is a key to dealing with what life chucks.
oh by the way I have a video blog on my profile on the serious subject of child protection which might interest you :o)