Current Tunes: Sipping hot tea from a plastic mug
I think as a writer you can be either inspired by the world or you can be crushed by it. Writers are observers, everyone knows this. Writers ingest the events and people of the world and translate the experience into a new one, the most important kind of experience human beings know: the story. At least, that’s what prolific, hard-working, devoted writers do. Those are the kind of writers who get inspired by the world. So I’ve got to make a choice: Am I going to be inspired by what I see in this world or am I going to be crushed by it?
Most often I’m completely crushed by the world. Poverty, torture, deceit, subjugation, manipulation, stagnation, procrastination, alienation, it ruins the soul. It’s easily surmountable for other writers with a damn backbone, or with better health, or a more stable existence. I’d mostly like to attribute it to pure motivation; that’s what gets them through the day, the writers who succeed. But I have no motivation, so it’s not as simple, obviously.
To talk about the philosophical, moral, spiritual implications of inspiration versus despair is a topic far too long for this forum. More than that, I'm not wholly convinced I'm prepared to share my perspective with the entire Internet proper. It goes without saying that inspiration is the more suitable, more desirable choice. What else needs to be said except I do not choose it because... Well, I don't suppose I really know why.
I wanted to become a writer because it used to be a magical process for me. In middle school, I knew I could form sentences according to the rules set forth by my teachers. But it took me a few times just trying for the hell of it to find out I could actually write. It was invigorating. I miss that. Writing used to be that, instead of being a chore.
Having your creativity zapped out of you can do that, I think. I have a sinking feeling that’s what happened to me. It’s hard to stay on track. I’ve heard lots and lots of professional, well-off writers talk about writing, and they all say completely different things. They all have different aesthetic values, different processes, different environments they like to write in. It’s really fascinating, learning how these people all bend over backwards just to write a book or a novel. But, despite the broad spectrum of approaches people across genres and topics take, all of these people I’ve heard talk about writing actually do have one thing in common that they say. “If you’re really a writer, you will write everyday.”
I’m not a writer. I don’t write everyday, not even close. That bugs the shit out of me. It’s absolutely horrifying, really. I want to write everyday, though, and that’s the frustrating part. At the end of the day when I curl into bed to get my night’s rest, most times one of my finals thoughts before I drift off is “Goddammit, why didn’t I write something today?” It’s heart wrenching. It’s depressing. It’s disgusting. It’s intolerable.
So why don’t I just buckle down and write everyday? The plain fact is I willfully allow other, less important events and activities to take precedence. These things override writing because they are safer, they are easier. I freely admit I avoid failure through the most common avenue traveled: I simply do not try from the start. I cannot fail if I do not try. I cannot be forced to confront my weaknesses if I do not put forth any effort. And as a consequence, I resign to mediocrity.
Distractions make it so much easier to continue this cycle of behavior, too. “I can start writing tomorrow. For now, I’ll play Xbox.” Then I sit lifelessly in a chair staring lost and alone into a screen, engaged in a false event because real ones are too frightening and too consequential to even possibly be confronted.
There are lost years of my life I cannot get back. I could have written ten or more books by now if I had just taken a few minutes to sit down and think and realize that nothing I was doing at the time was meaningful or lasting. Just like nothing I’m doing now is meaningful or lasting. At least I’m aware of it now. I can do something about it.
I remember my Dead & Livejournal accounts. I wrote some really great, really fun stuff in there. I fondly remember sitting in computer labs in Tuscaloosa writing those posts, listening to music and being completely alive in those hour-long spans. I wrote lots of stuff when I was at Alabama that I’m proud of, as flawed and naïve as all that material is. I’m proud of it because I liked it. I’m proud of it because all that material, at least what I remember of it, was honest and passionate and convicted. I haven’t written hardly anything since then that I was so purely invested in. The things I write now, it’s like I’ve forgotten how to feel.
When you write, and you’re doing it correctly, you’re achieving your maximum amount of feeling. The needle is pushed beyond the edge of measurement. You sense and perceive all facets of time and space at once. Mostly through the deception lens of memory, but that's close enough to the truth to last. It stays immediate and concrete as much as it can. I want to return to that place, where the intensity of creation redlines your consciousness and puts you into overdrive. In these precious moments, through the haze of wonderment and excitement, you can briefly turn your head to the side and see the future, crystal clear.
11 October 2010
22 September 2010
Not Falling For This (Down Boy!)
Current Tunes: Children of Bodom – Hate Crew Deathroll
So a friend directed me to this provocative little video the other day, and my reactions were complex enough to warrant that I document them here.
He astutely informed me the women featured so prominently in this video are indeed members of some group of competitive gaming females dubbed “Team Unicorn,” who my friend asserted are associated with the Fatal1ty gaming empire. So right off the bat, make no mistake, these girls are definitely involved in major money-making. For me, that makes their intentions a little suspect.
But we’ll leave money out this. It's pretty clear what the true purpose of this clip is: eliciting erections from a host of young American males aged 16-99 who have a more than passing interest in comic books, video games, and fantasy/sci-fi literature. Which, ok, admittedly comes close to including every breathing male in the country.
Regardless, it’s pretty insulting to think that if they spend a hunk of cash on flashy costumes and retarded lens flares and a Stan Lee cameo, they’ll suddenly monopolize the attention and affection of the above-mentioned demographic. It’ll work on plenty of men, I’m sure, but I’m not falling for that. I’m hopeful there’s a right honorable contingent of men who looked at this and had the same reaction I did, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there weren’t.
Insulting us in that regard is one thing, but how about the insult this is to gamer/geek women? First off, no one in their right mind thinks a majority of geek culture girls are potential underwear models. These gals are the exception, not the rule. Which is good for them, sure, bravo. You’re physically attractive and you know who Stan Lee is. You deserve a damn trophy, don’t you?
Back in reality, by doing this video you’re just setting a bad example for young girls who are part of the culture. You’re sending a message that guys are easily manipulated, but you can only achieve that level of power and attention if you’re super-beautiful like us. What a crock. This is no different than the criticism you’ve heard before in this argument, I’m sure.
But full disclosure comes now. This is what peeves me the most about this video. I’m of mind that it’d be wonderfully fulfilling to have a relationship with a geek chick. I would love to have that kind of gal to sit around and talk to about which “Star Trek” captain was the greatest. But I don’t want it to be the kind of girl that’s being represented in this video, that says to geek women you have to dress provocatively and sing incredibly pathetic pop music (actually, its probably not them actually singing at all) to attract my attention. I want a woman smarter than that — plain and simple. And it’d be nice if those women knew that was what was really desired, not these over-sexualized scale-sized dolls.
I’d be amiss to have this discussion without mentioning “The Guild’s” cute little “Do You Wanna Date My Avatar?” video. This video was the precursor to the Team Unicorn video, and should be where I direct a significant portion of my blame to.
But disregarding the debate over whether or not a music video giving merit to having a romantic relationship with a full-fledged simulacrum is or isn't a sign of the coming Apocalypse, I really don’t have much of a qualm with “The Guild” video. Felicia Day does not strike me at all as an attention whore for this simple reason: if she was, she could have far, far more attention than she has now. She only takes roles that interest her, which from what I understand should be read as “roles that set a positive standard for geek women.” She's popular among all of geekdom, but she hasn't done a lot of mainstream material. The highest she ever ranked on the mainstream ladder was probably her two whole episodes she did of "Dollhouse." Which, you know, got cancelled.
If anything, “Do You Wanna Date My Avatar?” is a critique of gaming culture. I could probably do an extended post just explaining that.
But this filth that came from Team Unicorn is degrading, insulting, and just garbage in general. Geek and gaming culture was, I thought, doing a great job in the fight to bring the sexes onto a field of equity and respect. But material like this is regressive, with little redeeming value.
I say little redeeming value because, I’m sorry, I can’t help myself… Katee Sackhoff with red hair is a force of sexual power this world is not prepared for.
So a friend directed me to this provocative little video the other day, and my reactions were complex enough to warrant that I document them here.
He astutely informed me the women featured so prominently in this video are indeed members of some group of competitive gaming females dubbed “Team Unicorn,” who my friend asserted are associated with the Fatal1ty gaming empire. So right off the bat, make no mistake, these girls are definitely involved in major money-making. For me, that makes their intentions a little suspect.
But we’ll leave money out this. It's pretty clear what the true purpose of this clip is: eliciting erections from a host of young American males aged 16-99 who have a more than passing interest in comic books, video games, and fantasy/sci-fi literature. Which, ok, admittedly comes close to including every breathing male in the country.
Regardless, it’s pretty insulting to think that if they spend a hunk of cash on flashy costumes and retarded lens flares and a Stan Lee cameo, they’ll suddenly monopolize the attention and affection of the above-mentioned demographic. It’ll work on plenty of men, I’m sure, but I’m not falling for that. I’m hopeful there’s a right honorable contingent of men who looked at this and had the same reaction I did, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there weren’t.
Insulting us in that regard is one thing, but how about the insult this is to gamer/geek women? First off, no one in their right mind thinks a majority of geek culture girls are potential underwear models. These gals are the exception, not the rule. Which is good for them, sure, bravo. You’re physically attractive and you know who Stan Lee is. You deserve a damn trophy, don’t you?
Back in reality, by doing this video you’re just setting a bad example for young girls who are part of the culture. You’re sending a message that guys are easily manipulated, but you can only achieve that level of power and attention if you’re super-beautiful like us. What a crock. This is no different than the criticism you’ve heard before in this argument, I’m sure.
But full disclosure comes now. This is what peeves me the most about this video. I’m of mind that it’d be wonderfully fulfilling to have a relationship with a geek chick. I would love to have that kind of gal to sit around and talk to about which “Star Trek” captain was the greatest. But I don’t want it to be the kind of girl that’s being represented in this video, that says to geek women you have to dress provocatively and sing incredibly pathetic pop music (actually, its probably not them actually singing at all) to attract my attention. I want a woman smarter than that — plain and simple. And it’d be nice if those women knew that was what was really desired, not these over-sexualized scale-sized dolls.
I’d be amiss to have this discussion without mentioning “The Guild’s” cute little “Do You Wanna Date My Avatar?” video. This video was the precursor to the Team Unicorn video, and should be where I direct a significant portion of my blame to.
But disregarding the debate over whether or not a music video giving merit to having a romantic relationship with a full-fledged simulacrum is or isn't a sign of the coming Apocalypse, I really don’t have much of a qualm with “The Guild” video. Felicia Day does not strike me at all as an attention whore for this simple reason: if she was, she could have far, far more attention than she has now. She only takes roles that interest her, which from what I understand should be read as “roles that set a positive standard for geek women.” She's popular among all of geekdom, but she hasn't done a lot of mainstream material. The highest she ever ranked on the mainstream ladder was probably her two whole episodes she did of "Dollhouse." Which, you know, got cancelled.
If anything, “Do You Wanna Date My Avatar?” is a critique of gaming culture. I could probably do an extended post just explaining that.
But this filth that came from Team Unicorn is degrading, insulting, and just garbage in general. Geek and gaming culture was, I thought, doing a great job in the fight to bring the sexes onto a field of equity and respect. But material like this is regressive, with little redeeming value.
I say little redeeming value because, I’m sorry, I can’t help myself… Katee Sackhoff with red hair is a force of sexual power this world is not prepared for.
19 September 2010
Tea Time
Current Tunes: Tom Waits – Black Market
So terribly sorry about missing a Friday post. Between working early and having to run and errand or two after work, time just slipped away from me. It had been my intention to do a “catch up post” on Sunday, but I realized I wasn’t going to have any time on Monday either to do that post, so I’m putting this post together on Sunday.
I’m not going to lie, I am absolutely fascinated by the Tea Party movement. I’m excited about it too. Not because I agree with their policies or ideology, I’m just stunned and amazed that someone is standing up and proving that a viable third party can exist in America. That’s what has me so captivated by what’s going on with the Tea Party. All I’ve heard from anyone who claims to be a politics expert or a member of the two major parties is that a third party cannot thrive, but the Tea Party is doing it.
At first glance the Tea Party is still something to be somewhat concerned about. Most accounts directly associate membership in the Tea Party with fervent religious associations and obscenely dumb ideas about President Obama’s imagined practice of Islam and/or socialist ties. That’s an understandably troublesome trend that commands some concern and reservation. Anyone with reason and common sense is right and just to question the motives and mental stability of people who prescribe to those beliefs.
To be fair, I don’t know that you can concretely state that every single Tea Party proponent is of the mind that Barack Obama is a commie muslim. The stat that gets thrown around says roughly 20% of Americans think he is a practitioner of Islam. That’s 20% of Americans though, not 20% of Tea Party members. It could be 90% or it could be 9%. I’m not sure you can get a fully accurate picture of how many Tea Party proponents will actually confess to your face that they think this. What I find fascinating is how Gallup did a little demographic research on the Tea Party and found out they somehow represent a fairly even slice of America. As is often the case, media outlets (no matter their biases) have a tendency to concentrate on the loud, radical, attention-grabbing voices in movements because that drives ratings, of course. I have to wonder how much that tendency is at play in all of this.
When it comes to addressing their ideologies, here’s a few “core beliefs” that they describe as “non-negotiable,” which is, admittedly, a bit strong. Nevertheless, they actually have a few principles I imagine most Americans would be hard-pressed to say they don’t agree with:
- Illegal Aliens Are Here Illegally
- Pro-Domestic Employment Is Indispensable
- Special Interests Eliminated
- Bail-out and Stimulus Plans are Illegal
I’ve conveniently eliminated several other of their “core beliefs” that I disagree with, but looking at these few, I don’t think these are out-of-touch, wacko ideas.
Many of their ideas center around a very basic, elementary understanding of economics, of course tending towards conservative, fiscal responsibility. Which I found most interesting because no where in the list do they mention funding unnecessary, dangerous international wars, but did emphasize the “necessity” of a buffed-up military.
The one major goal of the Tea Party isn't specifically mentioned on that site though, which I find puzzling, because it's their most positive goal. They want to vote everyone out of Congress. I wholeheartedly agree with that. Where Tea Party critics get loud, though, is when they point out they want to replace all those vacant seats with candidates they support, candidates like Christine O'Donnell. Which should surprise no one. That's how political parties work. Sure, their candidates may not be wholly qualified or the best choice, but don't scold them for just doing what political movements want to do. If they get enough votes and enough support, they get to have their way. That's democracy.
I think the most telling “core belief” listed referred to accessibility of office for, as they put it, “average” citizens. That’s probably just not the best way to word this idea. I think what they’re really trying to say is they’re tired of the financially well-off stepping into office and making decisions about what the middle and lower class have to do with their money, and that’s a reasonable concern I think. The danger here is, again, the concentration on the “average.” I don’t know about you, but I don’t want “average” people running the government. I want the smartest, brightest, bravest, most confident human beings our country has to offer sitting in political offices all around the country. It just so happens that being bright, confident, and brave often results in plenty of financial and personal success, and as such we shouldn't hold that against good people who try hard to be a responsible public official.
The basic conclusion I’ve reached about the Tea Party isn't anything new. A lot of people in America are pissed, and the Tea Party gives voice to lots of those people. I’ll take it a step further though, and this goes to my point about viable third parties: the Tea Party might have some serious flaws in their ideology, and probably has its fair share of crackpot members, but at least they're doing something.
I have no doubt there is an analogous version of the Tea Party for the Left. People who are infuriated about the war in Afghanistan, who are pissed that the Supreme Court has been a right-leaning entity for decades, who are tired of seeing the tenet of separation of church and state being trampled on week after week. This unnamed party, if it ever arises, will probably have its share of cooks too, who might say things like Bush masterminded 9/11, or is a card-carrying Nazi or what have you. But, those folks haven’t showed up yet, or aren’t motivated enough to get up and do something. I suppose you could make the argument these sort of people don’t exist, but, to me, that’s incredibly naïve.
So I say at least give the Tea Party credit for seeing something they’re mad about and trying to take a stand against it. That’s my greatest criticism of America: people in this country take things lying down far too often. In Europe, when their governments do something incomprehensibly stupid or unpopular, the people go out into the streets and bitch and bitch and bitch until the government fixes it. Which is what people should do.
Not continue to sit around on the couch drinking and watching those “Real Housewives” shows. Whilst bitching and complaining to their family members or social circle, but not actually getting up and becoming an activist.
In truth, though, how viable is the Tea Party after all? There’s lots of buzz that conservatives are going to take back Congressional control. I wouldn’t be so sure. All these victories by Tea Party candidates for the Republican nomination in these races, I wouldn’t be so quick to write these off as sure victories. If they were winning these nominations in landslides, I might be concerned. But the mainstream, average conservative candidates are still posting lots and lots of support in these races. Some of them that lose are even planning on running write-in or independent campaigns, ala Joe Liebermann. That turned out well for Joe, it could turn out well for these other folks.
Even in the case that Republicans actually do reclaim Congress from the Democrats, I have a fantastic strategy for the minority in Congress, a time-tested motto that never fails: If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.
If the Republicans/conservatives/teabaggers control Congress, stall and sabotage every single bill they propose, just like they’ve been doing these past couple years. Filibuster. Go up to the podium and read David Sedaris or Chuck Palahniuk or "The People's History of the United States" until everyone falls asleep. Or just stand up there with a stereo and play Lady Gaga all day and night. Give em a taste of their own medicine. I normally stand by the usual "don't sink to their level" mentality, but sometimes dirty work has to be done.
Unless, of course, they propose a bill finally outlawing the filibuster strategy, which I say vote for it fervently. After that, win the Congress back in the next election cycle and get something done. How hilarious would that be?
So terribly sorry about missing a Friday post. Between working early and having to run and errand or two after work, time just slipped away from me. It had been my intention to do a “catch up post” on Sunday, but I realized I wasn’t going to have any time on Monday either to do that post, so I’m putting this post together on Sunday.
I’m not going to lie, I am absolutely fascinated by the Tea Party movement. I’m excited about it too. Not because I agree with their policies or ideology, I’m just stunned and amazed that someone is standing up and proving that a viable third party can exist in America. That’s what has me so captivated by what’s going on with the Tea Party. All I’ve heard from anyone who claims to be a politics expert or a member of the two major parties is that a third party cannot thrive, but the Tea Party is doing it.
At first glance the Tea Party is still something to be somewhat concerned about. Most accounts directly associate membership in the Tea Party with fervent religious associations and obscenely dumb ideas about President Obama’s imagined practice of Islam and/or socialist ties. That’s an understandably troublesome trend that commands some concern and reservation. Anyone with reason and common sense is right and just to question the motives and mental stability of people who prescribe to those beliefs.
To be fair, I don’t know that you can concretely state that every single Tea Party proponent is of the mind that Barack Obama is a commie muslim. The stat that gets thrown around says roughly 20% of Americans think he is a practitioner of Islam. That’s 20% of Americans though, not 20% of Tea Party members. It could be 90% or it could be 9%. I’m not sure you can get a fully accurate picture of how many Tea Party proponents will actually confess to your face that they think this. What I find fascinating is how Gallup did a little demographic research on the Tea Party and found out they somehow represent a fairly even slice of America. As is often the case, media outlets (no matter their biases) have a tendency to concentrate on the loud, radical, attention-grabbing voices in movements because that drives ratings, of course. I have to wonder how much that tendency is at play in all of this.
When it comes to addressing their ideologies, here’s a few “core beliefs” that they describe as “non-negotiable,” which is, admittedly, a bit strong. Nevertheless, they actually have a few principles I imagine most Americans would be hard-pressed to say they don’t agree with:
- Illegal Aliens Are Here Illegally
- Pro-Domestic Employment Is Indispensable
- Special Interests Eliminated
- Bail-out and Stimulus Plans are Illegal
I’ve conveniently eliminated several other of their “core beliefs” that I disagree with, but looking at these few, I don’t think these are out-of-touch, wacko ideas.
Many of their ideas center around a very basic, elementary understanding of economics, of course tending towards conservative, fiscal responsibility. Which I found most interesting because no where in the list do they mention funding unnecessary, dangerous international wars, but did emphasize the “necessity” of a buffed-up military.
The one major goal of the Tea Party isn't specifically mentioned on that site though, which I find puzzling, because it's their most positive goal. They want to vote everyone out of Congress. I wholeheartedly agree with that. Where Tea Party critics get loud, though, is when they point out they want to replace all those vacant seats with candidates they support, candidates like Christine O'Donnell. Which should surprise no one. That's how political parties work. Sure, their candidates may not be wholly qualified or the best choice, but don't scold them for just doing what political movements want to do. If they get enough votes and enough support, they get to have their way. That's democracy.
I think the most telling “core belief” listed referred to accessibility of office for, as they put it, “average” citizens. That’s probably just not the best way to word this idea. I think what they’re really trying to say is they’re tired of the financially well-off stepping into office and making decisions about what the middle and lower class have to do with their money, and that’s a reasonable concern I think. The danger here is, again, the concentration on the “average.” I don’t know about you, but I don’t want “average” people running the government. I want the smartest, brightest, bravest, most confident human beings our country has to offer sitting in political offices all around the country. It just so happens that being bright, confident, and brave often results in plenty of financial and personal success, and as such we shouldn't hold that against good people who try hard to be a responsible public official.
The basic conclusion I’ve reached about the Tea Party isn't anything new. A lot of people in America are pissed, and the Tea Party gives voice to lots of those people. I’ll take it a step further though, and this goes to my point about viable third parties: the Tea Party might have some serious flaws in their ideology, and probably has its fair share of crackpot members, but at least they're doing something.
I have no doubt there is an analogous version of the Tea Party for the Left. People who are infuriated about the war in Afghanistan, who are pissed that the Supreme Court has been a right-leaning entity for decades, who are tired of seeing the tenet of separation of church and state being trampled on week after week. This unnamed party, if it ever arises, will probably have its share of cooks too, who might say things like Bush masterminded 9/11, or is a card-carrying Nazi or what have you. But, those folks haven’t showed up yet, or aren’t motivated enough to get up and do something. I suppose you could make the argument these sort of people don’t exist, but, to me, that’s incredibly naïve.
So I say at least give the Tea Party credit for seeing something they’re mad about and trying to take a stand against it. That’s my greatest criticism of America: people in this country take things lying down far too often. In Europe, when their governments do something incomprehensibly stupid or unpopular, the people go out into the streets and bitch and bitch and bitch until the government fixes it. Which is what people should do.
Not continue to sit around on the couch drinking and watching those “Real Housewives” shows. Whilst bitching and complaining to their family members or social circle, but not actually getting up and becoming an activist.
In truth, though, how viable is the Tea Party after all? There’s lots of buzz that conservatives are going to take back Congressional control. I wouldn’t be so sure. All these victories by Tea Party candidates for the Republican nomination in these races, I wouldn’t be so quick to write these off as sure victories. If they were winning these nominations in landslides, I might be concerned. But the mainstream, average conservative candidates are still posting lots and lots of support in these races. Some of them that lose are even planning on running write-in or independent campaigns, ala Joe Liebermann. That turned out well for Joe, it could turn out well for these other folks.
Even in the case that Republicans actually do reclaim Congress from the Democrats, I have a fantastic strategy for the minority in Congress, a time-tested motto that never fails: If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.
If the Republicans/conservatives/teabaggers control Congress, stall and sabotage every single bill they propose, just like they’ve been doing these past couple years. Filibuster. Go up to the podium and read David Sedaris or Chuck Palahniuk or "The People's History of the United States" until everyone falls asleep. Or just stand up there with a stereo and play Lady Gaga all day and night. Give em a taste of their own medicine. I normally stand by the usual "don't sink to their level" mentality, but sometimes dirty work has to be done.
Unless, of course, they propose a bill finally outlawing the filibuster strategy, which I say vote for it fervently. After that, win the Congress back in the next election cycle and get something done. How hilarious would that be?
15 September 2010
The Best Authority on the Bestest
Current Tunes: The Sword – Tres Brujas
List-driven articles are not works of journalism, at all. I’m just as suckered in by these “best of” lists as anyone else, and they’re definitely a source of guilty pleasure for me, but I think VH1, that bastion of objectivity and credibility, I think finally put together a “best of” list that has completely driven me away from the concept for good.
When first presented with the idea that VH1 had done a “100 Greatest Artists” list, a little voice went off in my head, screaming how this was a horrible idea and could in no way be a fair representation of rock and roll history. I was right of course, but it had to be confirmed. I had no idea what was waiting for me, and as usual, I wish I had never even looked at the list.
Let’s start with Rage Against the Machine. I’m a fan of this band. A little bit. If you know me, this should not be news to you. RATM ranked #48 on this list. RATM ranked ahead of unquestionable legends like Otis Redding, The Doors, Rush, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Judas Priest, Run-D.M.C., Elvis Costello, Little Richard, and plenty of other noteworthy artists and bands from multiple genres. I’m here to tell you, RATM’s contributions to rock and roll history can’t even possibly stack up to Little Richard. That’s just ludicrous. Let’s think about inspirations for a minute. RATM probably doesn’t happen without Run D.M.C and Public Enemy, both of whom did proto rap/rock songs with popular rock bands. Run D.M.C. and Public Enemy inspire RATM. But what did RATM inspire? Korn? Limp Bizkit? Bands that didn’t make the list at all.
Other travesties on this list involved ranking Ray Charles #43, then putting Metallica right above him at #42. Or how about Tina Turner coming in at #34, but Guns ‘n Roses (AKA the most overrated rock band in history) getting the #33 spot? I just cannot stomach the thought of ranking Tina Turner, who survived an inhumane wave of abuse and violence, below a band featuring a singer who more than once stormed off stage in a child-like temper tantrum and even once assaulted a fan mid-concert.
What was funny to me was the top 10 choices were almost completely agreeable. Almost. Prince was at #7, putting him above James Brown. I cannot even fathom any possible logic or system VH1 had to use in order to rank Prince above a guy he owes his entire career to.
Led Zeppelin fairly deserved a top 10 spot, but #4 seems a bit high. That put them just above The Rolling Stones who had the #5 slot. I don’t see how the big LZ can be put over the Stones when LZ has been disbanded and inactive for the past couple decades while Jagger & Co. continue to tour and entertain worldwide. I guess longevity and dedication don’t always translate into true appreciation, do they?
So why do magazines and TV shows thrive on articles like this? Because they stir up debate, mostly. And look at me, contributing to the cycle… Ugh. They also capture your attention pretty easily, and can be a quick way to drive ratings. Similarly, online plenty of sites will put up lists like this, a top 10 or 20, and make an individual page for every slot, so you end up clicking ten different links to their sites in an attempt to read what is really only one article. So on the surface it looks like their site is getting lots of traffic. Ingenious.
I think people look to these articles for some sort of peer evaluation, in a sad and meaningless way. Media outlets that aren’t the absolute tip-top on the authority ladder (like for music, Rolling Stone the magazine) of a subject write up of a list that they hope will get the approval of the leaders just to squeeze out a little bit of credibility. But let me tell you, VH1, that you have no damn respectability at all. You came up with the show “Best Week Ever,” which is quite an ironic title because it’s really one of the worst television shows ever. You also thought Chris Jericho, a professional wrestler, would be some fantastic authority on pop culture. I like Jericho and all, but any time he’s been on one of your specials, this insanity he calls language that comes out of his mouth causes small hemorrhages in my head.
Why can’t you and your big sister MTV just go back to playing music videos 24 hours a day? “Well,” says Mr. Corporate TV Executive CEO guy, “People don’t sit in front of the TV for an hour straight watching music videos. They consume one or two videos, then change over to something else. So our advertisers aren’t getting their money’s worth.”
There you have it.
The good news is the dominant paradigm, like it always does, is changing. Magazines are a dying media outlet. And television use is down as well, thanks to the unstoppable power of the Internet. I’m sure people’s fascination with list-journalism won’t change along with how they consume text media, as much as I wish it would. But that doesn’t mean I can’t change myself. Screw list culture. I’ve got better things to do.
List-driven articles are not works of journalism, at all. I’m just as suckered in by these “best of” lists as anyone else, and they’re definitely a source of guilty pleasure for me, but I think VH1, that bastion of objectivity and credibility, I think finally put together a “best of” list that has completely driven me away from the concept for good.
When first presented with the idea that VH1 had done a “100 Greatest Artists” list, a little voice went off in my head, screaming how this was a horrible idea and could in no way be a fair representation of rock and roll history. I was right of course, but it had to be confirmed. I had no idea what was waiting for me, and as usual, I wish I had never even looked at the list.
Let’s start with Rage Against the Machine. I’m a fan of this band. A little bit. If you know me, this should not be news to you. RATM ranked #48 on this list. RATM ranked ahead of unquestionable legends like Otis Redding, The Doors, Rush, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Judas Priest, Run-D.M.C., Elvis Costello, Little Richard, and plenty of other noteworthy artists and bands from multiple genres. I’m here to tell you, RATM’s contributions to rock and roll history can’t even possibly stack up to Little Richard. That’s just ludicrous. Let’s think about inspirations for a minute. RATM probably doesn’t happen without Run D.M.C and Public Enemy, both of whom did proto rap/rock songs with popular rock bands. Run D.M.C. and Public Enemy inspire RATM. But what did RATM inspire? Korn? Limp Bizkit? Bands that didn’t make the list at all.
Other travesties on this list involved ranking Ray Charles #43, then putting Metallica right above him at #42. Or how about Tina Turner coming in at #34, but Guns ‘n Roses (AKA the most overrated rock band in history) getting the #33 spot? I just cannot stomach the thought of ranking Tina Turner, who survived an inhumane wave of abuse and violence, below a band featuring a singer who more than once stormed off stage in a child-like temper tantrum and even once assaulted a fan mid-concert.
What was funny to me was the top 10 choices were almost completely agreeable. Almost. Prince was at #7, putting him above James Brown. I cannot even fathom any possible logic or system VH1 had to use in order to rank Prince above a guy he owes his entire career to.
Led Zeppelin fairly deserved a top 10 spot, but #4 seems a bit high. That put them just above The Rolling Stones who had the #5 slot. I don’t see how the big LZ can be put over the Stones when LZ has been disbanded and inactive for the past couple decades while Jagger & Co. continue to tour and entertain worldwide. I guess longevity and dedication don’t always translate into true appreciation, do they?
So why do magazines and TV shows thrive on articles like this? Because they stir up debate, mostly. And look at me, contributing to the cycle… Ugh. They also capture your attention pretty easily, and can be a quick way to drive ratings. Similarly, online plenty of sites will put up lists like this, a top 10 or 20, and make an individual page for every slot, so you end up clicking ten different links to their sites in an attempt to read what is really only one article. So on the surface it looks like their site is getting lots of traffic. Ingenious.
I think people look to these articles for some sort of peer evaluation, in a sad and meaningless way. Media outlets that aren’t the absolute tip-top on the authority ladder (like for music, Rolling Stone the magazine) of a subject write up of a list that they hope will get the approval of the leaders just to squeeze out a little bit of credibility. But let me tell you, VH1, that you have no damn respectability at all. You came up with the show “Best Week Ever,” which is quite an ironic title because it’s really one of the worst television shows ever. You also thought Chris Jericho, a professional wrestler, would be some fantastic authority on pop culture. I like Jericho and all, but any time he’s been on one of your specials, this insanity he calls language that comes out of his mouth causes small hemorrhages in my head.
Why can’t you and your big sister MTV just go back to playing music videos 24 hours a day? “Well,” says Mr. Corporate TV Executive CEO guy, “People don’t sit in front of the TV for an hour straight watching music videos. They consume one or two videos, then change over to something else. So our advertisers aren’t getting their money’s worth.”
There you have it.
The good news is the dominant paradigm, like it always does, is changing. Magazines are a dying media outlet. And television use is down as well, thanks to the unstoppable power of the Internet. I’m sure people’s fascination with list-journalism won’t change along with how they consume text media, as much as I wish it would. But that doesn’t mean I can’t change myself. Screw list culture. I’ve got better things to do.
13 September 2010
Return to Form
Current Tunes: Down - Never Try
To call it a hiatus would be a misnomer, now wouldn’t it? It’s been a tad more than seven months since I put anything up here. That’s far too long. I hope you missed me of course. How silly is that to say? Of course I hope you missed me, everyone wants to be missed.
I stayed away for so long because I’m an incomplete human being, and I get overwhelmed sometimes. It’s not to say I haven’t been busy, because I have. In the time since we last met, I’ve been working a steady job, moved to a new apartment, and have completely finished my thesis, receiving my master’s degree in the process. That was a long process, to say the least. A two year commitment has finally come full circle. I’m the first person on my mom’s side of the family to ever receive a graduate degree of any kind. A personal point of pride, right?
I’m glad to be back doing this. I want to take a moment and personally thank everyone who told that they missed reading my blog posts, or poked and prodded me to get back to posting. That’s precisely what I needed to get Quantifiable Darkness up and running again: encouragement. So thank you for that.
There’s not much in the way of specific material I want to cover here at the start, but I will say a few words about what’s been on my mind the past week or so: football.
This is my favorite time of the year, no doubt about it. Every weekend there are 100 different little battles to witness, teams scrambling their way to the top, hoping for a shot at eternal gridiron glory. In football season, the weekend transforms. In other seasons the weekend is just an escape from work, but in football season the weekend becomes a thing to cherish. In football season, the weekend becomes so much shorter though; time just disappears.
That’s the dangerous part of this time of year for me…
With school done and the weight of that off my shoulders, the proper thing for me to do is use this time wisely to work on major projects. My thesis is completed, but that thesis is just the start of a book. I have so much more to do to complete that book. I have other projects I want to start on too, which includes doing some short story collections and fleshing out a sci-fi novel. Blogging on here regularly as well. Not to mention the brutally painful process of trying to find a legitimate, salaried job. There's a lot on my plate.
I can’t exhaust too much time on weekends just slopping down in front of the TV for hours on end watching football. It’ll be a tough trend to break; it’s something I’ve done for years on end. And I love doing it. But I have to remember there are more important things than football. There's a fairly simple way to combat my habit of engrossing myself in football all weekend. Usually on Sunday evenings, after the second round of NFL games get done, it begins to dawn on me that the evening is coming to a close. I almost always get this sick feeling in my stomach right around then. It's a tidal wave of guilt and shame that folds over on top of me as I realize I spent a whole day doing nothing productive. If I'm going to get things done, if I'm going to avoid wasting all my free hours on football, I think all I have to do is remember that god-awful feeling. I have to remind myself that to avoid that feeling, I have to regulate my football time and put forth a heartfelt effort to produce and create.
I have a secret love for large projects. I say it's secret because it doesn't always show through in how I act, but it really is there. I can let myself become quite engrossed in something when I want to be. This affection for real, creative involvement in something somehow gets easily overridden by other activities, and that is something I am going to work on as a person. Blogging here regularly (Monday, Wednesday, & Friday) will work towards that goal.
To call it a hiatus would be a misnomer, now wouldn’t it? It’s been a tad more than seven months since I put anything up here. That’s far too long. I hope you missed me of course. How silly is that to say? Of course I hope you missed me, everyone wants to be missed.
I stayed away for so long because I’m an incomplete human being, and I get overwhelmed sometimes. It’s not to say I haven’t been busy, because I have. In the time since we last met, I’ve been working a steady job, moved to a new apartment, and have completely finished my thesis, receiving my master’s degree in the process. That was a long process, to say the least. A two year commitment has finally come full circle. I’m the first person on my mom’s side of the family to ever receive a graduate degree of any kind. A personal point of pride, right?
I’m glad to be back doing this. I want to take a moment and personally thank everyone who told that they missed reading my blog posts, or poked and prodded me to get back to posting. That’s precisely what I needed to get Quantifiable Darkness up and running again: encouragement. So thank you for that.
There’s not much in the way of specific material I want to cover here at the start, but I will say a few words about what’s been on my mind the past week or so: football.
This is my favorite time of the year, no doubt about it. Every weekend there are 100 different little battles to witness, teams scrambling their way to the top, hoping for a shot at eternal gridiron glory. In football season, the weekend transforms. In other seasons the weekend is just an escape from work, but in football season the weekend becomes a thing to cherish. In football season, the weekend becomes so much shorter though; time just disappears.
That’s the dangerous part of this time of year for me…
With school done and the weight of that off my shoulders, the proper thing for me to do is use this time wisely to work on major projects. My thesis is completed, but that thesis is just the start of a book. I have so much more to do to complete that book. I have other projects I want to start on too, which includes doing some short story collections and fleshing out a sci-fi novel. Blogging on here regularly as well. Not to mention the brutally painful process of trying to find a legitimate, salaried job. There's a lot on my plate.
I can’t exhaust too much time on weekends just slopping down in front of the TV for hours on end watching football. It’ll be a tough trend to break; it’s something I’ve done for years on end. And I love doing it. But I have to remember there are more important things than football. There's a fairly simple way to combat my habit of engrossing myself in football all weekend. Usually on Sunday evenings, after the second round of NFL games get done, it begins to dawn on me that the evening is coming to a close. I almost always get this sick feeling in my stomach right around then. It's a tidal wave of guilt and shame that folds over on top of me as I realize I spent a whole day doing nothing productive. If I'm going to get things done, if I'm going to avoid wasting all my free hours on football, I think all I have to do is remember that god-awful feeling. I have to remind myself that to avoid that feeling, I have to regulate my football time and put forth a heartfelt effort to produce and create.
I have a secret love for large projects. I say it's secret because it doesn't always show through in how I act, but it really is there. I can let myself become quite engrossed in something when I want to be. This affection for real, creative involvement in something somehow gets easily overridden by other activities, and that is something I am going to work on as a person. Blogging here regularly (Monday, Wednesday, & Friday) will work towards that goal.
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