The Grammy’s were on tonight. I did not watch. Mostly, I don’t care. Be assured, I am not discounting the Grammy’s in any way. I think music is the bomb. The creation, and sharing of music is phenomenal. Music is one of life’s greatest gifts. It is a magical connector, which enhances our lives and gives us one, of many, common grounds. I love music and all there is about it. Especially, singing Broadway tunes at the top of my lungs in the shower.
Back to it.
I just have never been very good at the whole “Pop Culture” thing. There was a time when I knew more about it. My teens and college years mostly. I at least knew Movies back then. These days, I am oblivious.
For instance, Mary & I will be watching an interview, or news show, concerning a TV or Music Star. The same conversation between us typically ensues….
“Who is that?”
“I don’t know.”
“Me either.”
“Oh.”
Now, if it is a story of significance,… say… the guy in question just ran his motorcycle into a group of Flying Monkeys on the set of the new Oz movie,… I might Google the name. Then the following conversation ensues.
“He’s on ‘Chicago Blindspot Medical Blacklist’”
“We’ve never watched that.”
“Nope.”
“I still don’t know who he is.”
So, that is our brush with Pop Culture these days. Most of it just doesn’t interest me. I don’t care that Justin Beiber is loonier than a jaybird. I’m happy for Beyonce’ but I don’t really give a blueberry pancake that she is having twins. My brain doesn’t need any information about the Kardashians. And I don’t give a rat’s rear about Pitt and Jolee.
I am sure they have done good things in their lives, but I don’t need to know what they are wearing, who they are dating, or when they were nakers at the beach. I simply don’t care.
The Grammy’s are all fine and good too. Yes, people should be recognized for their merits. Here. Here.
I just think we are inundated with awards shows for super celebrities. Tonight’s gift bag…the one they all take home with them…. is $30,000. Each. It seems a bit excessive and misguided to me.
Now, if, instead, this were a National Awards Show for Amazing Teachers, Emergency Room Workers, Volunteers, Firefighters, Nursing Home Aides, Librarians, and the like…. I’d be ALL in. Imagine how far $30,000 times…. say 150 bags given out tonight. Yes, the math is right. That’s $4,500,000.
Imagine. This doesn’t even touch the money spent tonight on dresses, jewelry, limos, wining and dining. That might help a meal kitchen or two. It might buy some help for a school somewhere. Maybe.
Oh, I know that isn’t how it works. I know it all can’t be that way.
Or. Or. Can it?
When are we going to start placing higher values on the things that matter, and less value on CEOs getting richer by an erroneous system? Sometimes, it all seems like smoke and mirrors.
Although, some of it is very true. I think the Kardashians truly are that self-absorbed.
Oh. I talk the good talk, but I am hypocrite in this too. I do love movies. And while I have never really watched much Prime Time TV, I have become a Netflix Junkie. I love NFL Football, College Basketball, and Curling Tournaments.
It is all so much the same.
Here’s what I do know is all right and good. If you appreciated the Grammy’s tonight, that is completely grand. We all enjoy a wide scope of things. Humans need to have enjoyment, and happiness.
And if you love to sing… sing out, sing out. Or if it is dance…. do it like a fiend. Or maybe all you want to do is just a tap-tap-tap your toes. It is the perfect way to be. And…as Judy Garland once said…. “Always be a first rate version of yourself and not a second rate version of someone else.”
=======
“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent”
— Victor Hugo
=======
“Let yourself be drawn by the stronger pull of that which you truly love.”
― Jalaluddin Rumi
=======
“Don’t you ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can’t be exactly who you are.”
― Lady Gaga
=======