i realised last night while watching the news that “genius” is a relative term.
it was a post-interview reaction to something about michael jackson which aired on abc. a viewer made remarks about how unfair it was for the world to be picking on someone just because they’re so talented or on top of their game; that he is a genius. i also took into account the musical fare renee’s dormmate displayed the other night during my visit, some type of folk music. i’m sure she finds that artist’s music brilliant, while although i can appreciate such music; i would never label him a genius, because it doesn’t directly appeal to me. it makes me both wonder and saddened considering how many musicians, artists, etc out there are completely underappreciated and underacknowledged for their work; when each is a genius in their own rite–or someone else’s anyway. it’s sad one performer can be forgotten when another is placed on the highest level of celebrity with all the fame, fortune and accolades; when really they both seek the same goal, or perform the same duties; it’s all a matter of perspective, marketing, and luck really; luck that your work coincides with the tastes of the very fickle (american) society and culture.
another thing that disturbs me, despite it’s intention to entertain (or lack thereof), is the ‘american idol’ tv show. i, as an artist, completely disagree with the notion that expression is a competition. music, visual art, literature is (or shouldn’t be) some game to try and outdo the next; it is more about sharing one’s ideas and advancing one another’s horizons. granted, in a capitalistic world where money is the bottom line, everyone has bills to pay; and the only way to pay them is by earning the cash. somehow the music and movie industries have come to focus more on increasing sales than the product they’re actually creating. the competition exists where each company is vying for the largest percentage of consumers’ paychecks. very disappointing a realisation…::frown::
well, that’s my commentary for the moment. i shall be back later with more, and hopefully get some of those damn pictures online which i’ve been meaning to for the past month (or more!!)
listening to: ken’s computer beeping (recurring error beep, as he’s away from his desk)