Yesterday on my Facebook I shared something that was deemed offensive by a Mormon relative. In fact I shared this http://myinlawsaremormon.tumblr.com/ Here is description of the tumblr, "I'm in a relationship with a former Mormon. Absolutely love his family, but Mormonism bewilders me." It goes through and shows gifs of the user's feelings when visiting the SO's family who happen to be Mormon and the user never was.
That's when it all went down. I was told that I should have only sent this to my fiancee in a private message and that it's offensive when I knew that my family would have seen it. The problem I have with this is they have no problem poking fun at other religions, but everything in their religion is untouchable to outsiders.
My father and mother went off on how the Book of Mormon Musical was offensive. They said it was not right that a gay man can play a Mormon missionary. That is the only argument they have as to why they won't condone it. They refuse to listen to any of the songs and really look at what it is about even after I explained that the musical teaches no false doctrine. They only get their information on the musical from what the leaders of the Mormon faith have to say.
I've never understood how, according to them, poking fun at their religion and culture is offensive. They always bring up how the Muslims need to lighten up when someone uses Mohamed in a cartoon or show, but you can't use Jesus. They're not as extreme as the Muslims to threaten death, but they condemn anything that makes any jest at their religion or culture, except when they poke fun at themselves.
When I was still going to the Mormon church I was more offended by movies like Singles Ward, The RM, and Baptists at Our BBQ. They take some of the most extreme views of the Mormon culture and make it into something that seems normal and acceptable. The sexism that is rampant in Singles Ward is awful. The message in The RM that you are only worth something if you can find a wife is deplorable, but nothing is wrong with those movies.
In all honesty nothing is so sacred that it cannot be made into a jest. That is all it is a joke. Nothing in the tumblr was demeaning. I have witnessed almost every single one of these feelings while visiting my family, but I laugh it off and I move on. Yes, we can all be a little crazy, and if we can't let others and ourselves make fun of that then what do we have left to laugh at?
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Waiting at the doctor's office.
Today while waiting at the doctor's office in the middle of Mormon, Utah; a Missionary-To-Be came in to get his physical before he could send in his papers to find out where he is being sent on his mission. I could tell he was nervous, because who wouldn't be? I looked at him fidget with his papers and thoughts kept streaming through my head.
What was going through my head back then? Were my thoughts the same as his or were they completely different? Is he going out of obligation like me or is he going because he truly feels it's the right thing to do? Do I feel sorry for his situation or do I admire his bravery? (Because going on a mission was probably the hardest thing I have ever done.) Will the mission change his views on the church to make him leave or will it make him a stronger member? There are so many young kids leaving home for 18-24 months. Many things can make impressions on their minds. What ones will he choose to listen to and accept?
If he is going out of obligation how can I reach out and help? And that is when it hit me. There really is not much I can do. Yes I can talk to him. I can reassure him he doesn't need to go, but it wouldn't have stopped me. I would have still gone on my mission. I would have lied to that stranger as I lied to myself. Fear of family and societal pressures will normally outweigh the thought of being free. It took me years to leave. My family still struggles with it, but it gets better as the months go on. What if his family is not as understanding? What if he is like many of my friends who still can't leave the faith because they don't want to lose the ties they have with their families? It's a Catch 22 situation. I know several people who's family would completely shut them out of their lives if they left.
To this young man, I say be strong. My will is with you and so is the will of several others. If by some chance you read this and you are that young man or another in a similar situation stay strong. Give in only as much as you have to. Bending the rules is ok. The guilt you feel will not always be there. The guilt will only control you as much as you let it. Remember that this is but a task in life and grow from it, learn from it, take as much of the good about it with you as you can. And above all look back at your leaders with a strong heart and proclaim you are doing your best. They don't need to know all the details because in reality they are just as scared as you are. A lot of times that brings out a bully (which was what my mission president was). Just remember he is more worried about himself and taking it out on you and others. To those Missionaries-to-be that can reach out to someone, do it; and to those who can't reach out you can do this. You can be strong.
What was going through my head back then? Were my thoughts the same as his or were they completely different? Is he going out of obligation like me or is he going because he truly feels it's the right thing to do? Do I feel sorry for his situation or do I admire his bravery? (Because going on a mission was probably the hardest thing I have ever done.) Will the mission change his views on the church to make him leave or will it make him a stronger member? There are so many young kids leaving home for 18-24 months. Many things can make impressions on their minds. What ones will he choose to listen to and accept?
If he is going out of obligation how can I reach out and help? And that is when it hit me. There really is not much I can do. Yes I can talk to him. I can reassure him he doesn't need to go, but it wouldn't have stopped me. I would have still gone on my mission. I would have lied to that stranger as I lied to myself. Fear of family and societal pressures will normally outweigh the thought of being free. It took me years to leave. My family still struggles with it, but it gets better as the months go on. What if his family is not as understanding? What if he is like many of my friends who still can't leave the faith because they don't want to lose the ties they have with their families? It's a Catch 22 situation. I know several people who's family would completely shut them out of their lives if they left.
To this young man, I say be strong. My will is with you and so is the will of several others. If by some chance you read this and you are that young man or another in a similar situation stay strong. Give in only as much as you have to. Bending the rules is ok. The guilt you feel will not always be there. The guilt will only control you as much as you let it. Remember that this is but a task in life and grow from it, learn from it, take as much of the good about it with you as you can. And above all look back at your leaders with a strong heart and proclaim you are doing your best. They don't need to know all the details because in reality they are just as scared as you are. A lot of times that brings out a bully (which was what my mission president was). Just remember he is more worried about himself and taking it out on you and others. To those Missionaries-to-be that can reach out to someone, do it; and to those who can't reach out you can do this. You can be strong.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Same Sex Marriage Rights in Utah?
I figured it was about time for me to chime in on this issue. There is so much back and forth on the issue. So many arguments on both sides that I am sure you all know my stance.
For those of you who don't know the back story (which are very few or none) a federal judge ruled Amendment 3 to the Utah Constitution, unconstitutional. This amendment primarily stated marriage is only recognized by the state to be between a man and a woman. It also states that Utah does not recognize same sex marriages from other states. During the 17 day period where same sex marriages were legal in the state just over 1,300 same sex couples finally were able to tie the knot. The state fought for a stay on the ruling, but we're denied a few times until it was finally awarded. Since the stay was awarded Gov. Herbert has announced that the state of Utah will not recognize the marriages that were performed legally and he will back the legal battle that will cost an estimated $2 Million. This money will of course come from Utah taxes.
I find it so hard to believe that there is so much hate that our state is willing to spend this kind of money to take away happiness and equality from so many. With recent rulings on Prop 8 in California and nationally with DOMA I don't see how the Utah legislature honestly believes they have a case that can be won.
One of two arguments they have is it destroys the sanctity of marriage and it will cause irreparable harm to the family. Which the Mormon faith believes is the base of our society and without strong families we cannot have a strong country. I remember being told several times growing up, in the faith, that the fall of Rome was caused by homosexuality, debauchery, and loose morals. I hardly believe that that was worse than spreading an empire so thin they could barely control their population and revolutions from small uprisings.
The leaders of the faith are not helping either. They want to be looked at as a tolerant voice in the world, but condemn anything in the state that is against their beliefs. They tend to forget they are a global religion. If they really want to be taken seriously they should stop meddling in local politics and really focus on the global issues. Why not fight poverty? Or world hunger? Income inequality? Government and business fraud? Do you really believe God wanted your religion to build a high end mall right across from "His" temple? God said love everyone. Your religion preaches that God's greatest gift to the world is agency. Your religion also teaches that Satan, in the pre-existence, was the one that wanted to force everyone to obey God's laws. Forcing your beliefs on others does not make you tolerant just because you say you love them. You are fighting to take away people's rights.
The other argument is that it is taking away your religious freedom. How the f**k is it doing that? You can still preach what you want. You can worship how you want. The government is not coming into your houses of worship and making you change your doctrine. The government is not forcing you to marry same sex couples. The moment your real religious freedoms are being taken away I will be right next to you fighting for your rights. Until then, bigotry is not tolerance. It is plainly hate.
The only good I see coming out of this legal battle is that Utah will lose. They have no proof for any of their arguments. The only thing that will come of this is that no other state will have a leg to stand on and everyone will be afforded the rights they deserve and if it costs $2 Million from my state taxes, in my opinion, that will be money well spent. I would rather have Utah give up, but our governor is controlled by his religious beliefs. The legal battle will unfortunately happen. I just wish Utah would stand on the right side of history.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Another step forward in this journey we call life.
Tomorrow I turn 30. It's a big milestone in my life, but why? It's a marker that I pass and go and get my license renewed at the DMV. Nothing really changes too drastically. I have the same job. I'm still engaged to my fiancee; she doesn't love me any less. My dog still waits for me when I get home and doesn't care that I am older. Friends come and go, but at this age you usually have a few that aren't going anywhere for the rest of your life. So why does everyone fret over a number? For me it's just another step forward in this journey we call life.
Days come and go... weeks, months, years... We create relationships. We create memories. We bask in days of joy and cry in the days of sorrow. We share these experiences with those we love and sometimes with those we want to strangle. We gain new friends. We create families, but not always by blood. Friends can become your siblings or a pet becomes a furry child or nephew/niece.
Sometimes we move on when we don't want to, but realize later on in life it was for the best. As we get older we learn and grow. Each day we usually become wiser, but there are those days where we digress and eventually learn from. Those are the most important. That is what brings the strongest wisdom. We learn to be empathic to others. We learn how to be there for others in those times. It really is just one big circle. We fall; someone helps us up and then we turn around and help the next one who has fallen. We push and pull each other through this journey we call life. Every day is a struggle for someone in our lives and each day we trade off the title of hero in others' lives.
Each day we do our best to live our lives the best we know how. A lot of times we get stuck in the mundane, but each day someone out there is looking up to you. Even just a little smile or a thank you is more than enough to brighten the person's day that thinks you are their hero.
Our lives are measured by the little gestures. It is measured by those we lift we up and at times carry when they can't get up on their own feet. I like to think in aging we don't have to regret anything we have done as long as we have grown taller on the inside and to others. We all make mistakes, but only looking back drags us down. I'm not saying we shouldn't ever look back, but we should do so to learn. Look up, take the next step, pass the milestones in your own journey. Forge paths for you and those behind you. We will see paths join, twist, cross, and at times depart from each other. When we get to the end we will see what a marvelous journey we created with our different achievements, relationships, and milestones.We then have a journey we can be proud of.
Days come and go... weeks, months, years... We create relationships. We create memories. We bask in days of joy and cry in the days of sorrow. We share these experiences with those we love and sometimes with those we want to strangle. We gain new friends. We create families, but not always by blood. Friends can become your siblings or a pet becomes a furry child or nephew/niece.
Sometimes we move on when we don't want to, but realize later on in life it was for the best. As we get older we learn and grow. Each day we usually become wiser, but there are those days where we digress and eventually learn from. Those are the most important. That is what brings the strongest wisdom. We learn to be empathic to others. We learn how to be there for others in those times. It really is just one big circle. We fall; someone helps us up and then we turn around and help the next one who has fallen. We push and pull each other through this journey we call life. Every day is a struggle for someone in our lives and each day we trade off the title of hero in others' lives.
Each day we do our best to live our lives the best we know how. A lot of times we get stuck in the mundane, but each day someone out there is looking up to you. Even just a little smile or a thank you is more than enough to brighten the person's day that thinks you are their hero.
Our lives are measured by the little gestures. It is measured by those we lift we up and at times carry when they can't get up on their own feet. I like to think in aging we don't have to regret anything we have done as long as we have grown taller on the inside and to others. We all make mistakes, but only looking back drags us down. I'm not saying we shouldn't ever look back, but we should do so to learn. Look up, take the next step, pass the milestones in your own journey. Forge paths for you and those behind you. We will see paths join, twist, cross, and at times depart from each other. When we get to the end we will see what a marvelous journey we created with our different achievements, relationships, and milestones.We then have a journey we can be proud of.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Courage to move forward
Thanks to the strength I got from 1) my fiancee, 2) my sister-in-law, and 3) from an Ex-Mormon group on Reddit at reddit.com/r/exmormon I was finally able to write a letter to my parents about how I feel about them treating me differently since I left the faith. I sent my parents this letter yesterday:
"Dear Mom and Dad,
I've been wanting to tell you this for a very long time, but it seems every time the discussion of religion comes up, I feel like you don't listen to me and won't acknowledge how I really feel. You come across as if you ignore the issue, it will go away. This is not something that you can ignore. What I have chosen for my life is not a "phase." I need you to understand that.
My decision was not easy. It was not something I did out of spite or to purposefully hurt my family. It was an entirely personal decision and was not intended as an attack on anyone else's beliefs. I do my best to respect others' beliefs as I would want my own to be respected. Still, I have had a lot of difficulty with my decision, mainly with my family and LDS friends. I feel that I am treated differently because of my choices, when I am really a much happier person. I may have lost every single LDS friend because I no longer believe in God, but I have made some lifetime friends that have really been there for me and for who I am. The reason I don't come around as much to be with the family is because I feel I am looked down upon and I am treated that I need to come back to the faith to be fully recognized by the family. It becomes very difficult to want to spend time with the family when I feel devalued and disrespected. Please, I don't want to argue I just want to let you know how I feel. I don't want an explanation, I don't necessarily need an apology. I just want you to recognize how you have come across to me and why I no longer feel like a full member of the family.
The reason I left the faith is in and of itself a complex experience. It boils down to the fact that in all my research of the faith I found too many things that are contradictory to the core beliefs of the faith. I felt that too many points in the history of the church that were hidden or sugar coated. I was confused and began to doubt myself as well as the faith. After a long time of being confused, questioning my own beliefs, and research, I made the only choice I felt was right for me. I am still a person who strives to be good, kind, honest, and trustworthy but I no longer choose to associate these actions with a faith. Again, this is how I feel. Religion has it's place and I am not saying anyone who lives in said religion is wrong or evil. Each person has to come to their own decision on what and how they want to believe or worship. The LDS Faith even teaches this in Article of Faith 11.
I just want you to know where I stand and I want to be treated as an equal, to return as a full member of the family. If you want to discuss any specific issues I have as to why I left the faith I am open for honest discussion- as long as this discussion can be civil, respectful, and without condemnation. I only wish to improve my relationship with my family, not to place blame or be hurt.
Love,
Your Son"
I then waited for a response. I did not get one until the next morning, today, when my mother texted me. At first she was accusing me. Saying that they didn't treat me differently than my other siblings that are still within the faith. It seemed like my letter was written to them in vain. Then I started to show her where they did and something clicked.
I told her that just asking me to pray when she knows I no longer believe in God is offensive to me. I told her it would be the same as if I asked her to read "The God Delusion" because I thought it could help with something in her life.
I told her life does not have to revolve completely around church and we can connect just as family. After about an hour she came back and said, "in my management courses we were told people can't change unless they know something is wrong. It's time for me to realize I have some changes to make. I love you. I hope we can connect more because of this conversation. I sure want to."
I couldn't believe the change. I wasn't really expecting much from the letter. I just had to let them know. It was freeing. It lifted a huge weight of my shoulders and I couldn't contain my smile. I was thinking, "wow, there might actually be some progress with my mom." I really doubt my father will ever come out and say anything to me. I am pretty sure he will ignore the letter and never speak of religion to me again. Which, if even that is all he can do, is better than them condemning me.
With this happening the way it did, I finally feel I am ready to remove my name from the LDS Faith records. Thank you to all of those who have been there for that I have and have not mentioned. I have some amazing friends!
"Dear Mom and Dad,
I've been wanting to tell you this for a very long time, but it seems every time the discussion of religion comes up, I feel like you don't listen to me and won't acknowledge how I really feel. You come across as if you ignore the issue, it will go away. This is not something that you can ignore. What I have chosen for my life is not a "phase." I need you to understand that.
My decision was not easy. It was not something I did out of spite or to purposefully hurt my family. It was an entirely personal decision and was not intended as an attack on anyone else's beliefs. I do my best to respect others' beliefs as I would want my own to be respected. Still, I have had a lot of difficulty with my decision, mainly with my family and LDS friends. I feel that I am treated differently because of my choices, when I am really a much happier person. I may have lost every single LDS friend because I no longer believe in God, but I have made some lifetime friends that have really been there for me and for who I am. The reason I don't come around as much to be with the family is because I feel I am looked down upon and I am treated that I need to come back to the faith to be fully recognized by the family. It becomes very difficult to want to spend time with the family when I feel devalued and disrespected. Please, I don't want to argue I just want to let you know how I feel. I don't want an explanation, I don't necessarily need an apology. I just want you to recognize how you have come across to me and why I no longer feel like a full member of the family.
The reason I left the faith is in and of itself a complex experience. It boils down to the fact that in all my research of the faith I found too many things that are contradictory to the core beliefs of the faith. I felt that too many points in the history of the church that were hidden or sugar coated. I was confused and began to doubt myself as well as the faith. After a long time of being confused, questioning my own beliefs, and research, I made the only choice I felt was right for me. I am still a person who strives to be good, kind, honest, and trustworthy but I no longer choose to associate these actions with a faith. Again, this is how I feel. Religion has it's place and I am not saying anyone who lives in said religion is wrong or evil. Each person has to come to their own decision on what and how they want to believe or worship. The LDS Faith even teaches this in Article of Faith 11.
I just want you to know where I stand and I want to be treated as an equal, to return as a full member of the family. If you want to discuss any specific issues I have as to why I left the faith I am open for honest discussion- as long as this discussion can be civil, respectful, and without condemnation. I only wish to improve my relationship with my family, not to place blame or be hurt.
Love,
Your Son"
I then waited for a response. I did not get one until the next morning, today, when my mother texted me. At first she was accusing me. Saying that they didn't treat me differently than my other siblings that are still within the faith. It seemed like my letter was written to them in vain. Then I started to show her where they did and something clicked.
I told her that just asking me to pray when she knows I no longer believe in God is offensive to me. I told her it would be the same as if I asked her to read "The God Delusion" because I thought it could help with something in her life.
I told her life does not have to revolve completely around church and we can connect just as family. After about an hour she came back and said, "in my management courses we were told people can't change unless they know something is wrong. It's time for me to realize I have some changes to make. I love you. I hope we can connect more because of this conversation. I sure want to."
I couldn't believe the change. I wasn't really expecting much from the letter. I just had to let them know. It was freeing. It lifted a huge weight of my shoulders and I couldn't contain my smile. I was thinking, "wow, there might actually be some progress with my mom." I really doubt my father will ever come out and say anything to me. I am pretty sure he will ignore the letter and never speak of religion to me again. Which, if even that is all he can do, is better than them condemning me.
With this happening the way it did, I finally feel I am ready to remove my name from the LDS Faith records. Thank you to all of those who have been there for that I have and have not mentioned. I have some amazing friends!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
The "So-called" Debt Crisis
Why do we take our politicians seriously, especially The Grand Old Party? Earlier this week both Boehner and Ryan came out and admitted the debt crisis is not as they say. So why are we voting on a tax cuts? Why are we working to give the rich even more money instead of putting America back to work?
I ask you how did we get out of The Great Depression? By putting America back to work. We built freeways and highways to connect America. We built the school system that became the envy of the world. We progressed for the next 40 years. We became one of the greatest countries in the world. People could live off wages they made in construction, in the factories. People could live the real American dream, but that is now dead.
Everyone protects the "Job Creators." Saying we can't take their money just because they're rich. They made their way to top so we can't punish them by taxing them. How much have they helped out America and created jobs by giving them the tax cats? How much have they really paid in the past? America during it's most prosperous time taxed the wealthiest people in America over 60%. And what did we get it for it? Everything I have already mentioned. We were the envy of the world people believed they could make something of themselves in America, but we can't today. We struggle from paycheck to paycheck. Health care costs are continually rising. The middle class is suffocating. And the chasm between the wealthy and everyone else is getting bigger and deeper by the day.
These corporate CEO's have convinced America through the money they give to our politicians that they are the ones struggling while they laugh all the way to bank. They don't care about anyone, but themselves and one's country can only be as strong as the weakest link.
How can we fix America? We create real jobs. We put Americans back to work. We create The New New Deal. We fix our dilapidated roads and bridges. We create clean energy. We build an electrical grid connecting all of America to share electricity making it possible to build wind, solar, and geothermal energy and make it practical. When we do this we won't need coal and the need for oil will also drop making the cost of utilities go down. We build a high speed train system connecting America just like we did with the highways. The trains will compete with the airline companies making prices for traveling go down making things more affordable for Americans to travel again and put even more money back into the economy.
We put money back into education. We raise the salary for teachers and higher more. We build more schools and more specialized schools. We teach our children and the rising generation in a way that is better suited for their learning styles and strengths. Standardized testing does not work and we can see that is the case when we compare ourselves to other countries. We bring back the arts to school. We teach music, theater, art, pottery, etc. Studies time and again show kids who take the arts do better in school and are happier. They create with their hands and minds giving them a sense of accomplishment. This creates more critical thinking skills.
Time has proven tax cuts for the wealthy don't work. Tell your politicians what you really want. Tell them what will fix America. Flood their voicemails and their emails. Do not give up and if they don't listen don't vote for them. We need an America for the people not for the corporations.
I ask you how did we get out of The Great Depression? By putting America back to work. We built freeways and highways to connect America. We built the school system that became the envy of the world. We progressed for the next 40 years. We became one of the greatest countries in the world. People could live off wages they made in construction, in the factories. People could live the real American dream, but that is now dead.
Everyone protects the "Job Creators." Saying we can't take their money just because they're rich. They made their way to top so we can't punish them by taxing them. How much have they helped out America and created jobs by giving them the tax cats? How much have they really paid in the past? America during it's most prosperous time taxed the wealthiest people in America over 60%. And what did we get it for it? Everything I have already mentioned. We were the envy of the world people believed they could make something of themselves in America, but we can't today. We struggle from paycheck to paycheck. Health care costs are continually rising. The middle class is suffocating. And the chasm between the wealthy and everyone else is getting bigger and deeper by the day.
These corporate CEO's have convinced America through the money they give to our politicians that they are the ones struggling while they laugh all the way to bank. They don't care about anyone, but themselves and one's country can only be as strong as the weakest link.
How can we fix America? We create real jobs. We put Americans back to work. We create The New New Deal. We fix our dilapidated roads and bridges. We create clean energy. We build an electrical grid connecting all of America to share electricity making it possible to build wind, solar, and geothermal energy and make it practical. When we do this we won't need coal and the need for oil will also drop making the cost of utilities go down. We build a high speed train system connecting America just like we did with the highways. The trains will compete with the airline companies making prices for traveling go down making things more affordable for Americans to travel again and put even more money back into the economy.
We put money back into education. We raise the salary for teachers and higher more. We build more schools and more specialized schools. We teach our children and the rising generation in a way that is better suited for their learning styles and strengths. Standardized testing does not work and we can see that is the case when we compare ourselves to other countries. We bring back the arts to school. We teach music, theater, art, pottery, etc. Studies time and again show kids who take the arts do better in school and are happier. They create with their hands and minds giving them a sense of accomplishment. This creates more critical thinking skills.
Time has proven tax cuts for the wealthy don't work. Tell your politicians what you really want. Tell them what will fix America. Flood their voicemails and their emails. Do not give up and if they don't listen don't vote for them. We need an America for the people not for the corporations.
Monday, March 18, 2013
A life lived for art is never a life wasted
Art enriches life. It makes life fulfilling, but unfortunately art and American culture with it, is degrading and almost going away. When you think of American culture now what comes to mind? I think of hip-hop and pop music that only sing about the hoes, the alcohol, and drugs. I think of blockbuster movies. Music and movies have become our culture, which isn't necessarily bad, but in the way it has progressed and ruled out most other art forms and even infiltrated other art forms is detrimental to our culture. Even Broadway lost its way thinking that the spectacle was more important than the words or message.
Don't get me wrong we still have some great artists out there that put out some great music, but they are often overlooked. Recently, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis have produced an album called The Heist. We have all heard the song "Thrift Shop," but what about the rest? Most, if not all, of this album has some great social commentary. They have created art that inspires and makes us think. We have the song "Same Love" that promotes acceptance of the LGBT community. We have the song "10,000 hours," that gives light about the struggles of becoming an artist and how it isn't easy, but how they do it for the art and not for the money.
Every day we hear how the arts are degraded that you can't make money in the arts. That you can't live a life and be an artist. We hear of states, like Kansas, who have completely cut all funding for the arts from their budget saying it isn't necessary. We hear talk of the arts being cut from schools. We hear theater and music being taken away, but what does that leave us? Kids are left to the books, to the tests. Creativity is being leeched out of them every day. Kids are losing part of their culture and their history and most detrimental of all, the ability to critically think.
Art does much more than just create critical thinkers or problem solvers. It makes life enjoyable. It gives a sense of imagination that something can be outside of the norms of life, and everything doesn't have to fit inside of a bubble or a square on piece of paper. Where would life be without music? Without theater? Without Shakespeare? Without Picasso? Without tall tales? Without dragons or unicorns?
A few weeks ago my fiancee told me about how she was telling her students about America's Tall Tales. Telling them about Paul Bunyan, John Henry, Johnny Appleseed, etc and none of them had heard of these stories before. It made me sad to know that just 12 years ago when I was in school we read these stories. That it was taught in our American History classes. It's as if imagination has been replaced with tests, with the right answer, with Halo or Max Payne (Let's get this straight, I'm not against video games at all. I own a Wii myself, but it seems that is all kids do.) When I was young the back yard was my arena, my stadium, my forest, the tundra, the desert, etc. Without this all the knowledge is lost. Without being able to imagine or critically think where are we going? Why is a test so much more important that the arts?
Now other countries have not lost this idea of the arts. Even countries that may be failing otherwise still realize the importance of art and how culture influences the future and the youth. If someone in business wants sometime to be innovative they won't be without the arts in their life. You can't expect a child who has done nothing in school except fill in bubbles and regurgitate answers to know what is going to make them competitive in the market. They won't be able to come up the next big idea.
Art is necessary. Art invigorates life. Art gives people a purpose. Art lets kids think outside that bubble. Art opens doors that cannot be seen with the eye, but with the mind and then seen, tasted, or heard, through music, through theater, through cooking, etc.
I show appreciation to those who fight against what "makes money." To all of you who want to make my and others' day brighter continue to do so. You are the unsung hero. You give light where there is none. You give color where there is only black and white. You make music where there is only silence. You are what makes this world a better place. Without art we are all lost and hopefully one day soon America will realize this. That without art there are no individuals.
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