Philosophy

NICE SHOES

“Art” provides a wonderful source for a person or group of people to express or feel a certain emotion while an object gives you the place to have that feeling.  We watch a movie in our “favorite chair” or look at a wonderful piece of art with our favorite loafers yet the art gets all the attention while the object gets stepped on or sat on.  A movie can make us feel good for the moment but an object like carpet can make us feel comfortable for a lifetime. Those that sell objects don’t receive a “red carpet” although the carpet and shoe’s those “stars” wear allow them to make the “big splash”.  “Art” is wonderful and should be recognized as such but the objects that allow us to enjoy such art and those that sell it should receive their own standing ovation.

This Administration as many in our society continually blame the victim whether it be through conscious words or subconscious act.  That is why it’s so difficult for them to use the word “Islamic Extremist” or state “Anti-Semitic acts” because they feel that if maybe they had more love or better economic opportunities they wouldn’t be “extremist”. Many of us live a similar lie as we see that evil acts must have a clear rationale. We look to the victim as somehow provoking such an action. If Israel gave up more land (even though they gave up the Gaza Strip for nothing), if they didn’t pick on him (although some of our greatest entrepreneur’s were bullied) if we left them alone (although we didn’t bother with Al Qaeda until they attacked us) if only they had better opportunities (we know how the poor in India live in peace)  but none of these rational will extinguish evil.   We know people who have gone through worse circumstances and never acted out in such an evil way.  We should always seek to improve society for all but must realize that evil act because it is evil. Therefore we must name that evil act be specific about the act they’ve committed and wipe that evil of the face of the earth.

To give a gift anonymously is the only pure generous act.  When we openly do something for another individual we expect something in return it might be a simple kind word or smile or it might be reciprocal act in the future.  The truth is we all use people and they use us and this even goes along to our four legged friends.  Yet a user will continue to expect to get more from the relationship as it grows.  They will find a way for you to give until your wallet and bank account are empty or your car is out of gas.  A friendship on the other hand will not look for ever act to be rewarded directly but will look to the long term benefits of such a relationship.  I believe though that sometimes the simple act of kindness without expectation ends with the greatest reward a cleansed heart and soul.

I deeply believe that the government must not Censor any work of art or writing but we as individuals and members of certain groups can choose to spend our time and money as we see fit.  We do this on a daily basis based on our likes and sometimes because of our philosophies and/or values.  Yet to organize a boycott of a certain artist or performance(s) must only be utilized as a last resort.  Sometimes we want to boycott an artists for their stances outside of the art that they are producing and although I respect such tactics I wonder if it causes more pain to the ensemble then the artist themselves? The production of bad publicity can even generate sales that would not have occurred if this boycott wasn’t publicized as many people want to be rebellious or “stand up for free expression”.  When boycotts occur to frequently then they can diminish the cause they are fighting for and turn the movements cause into a farce. They also can motivate your opponents to organize boycotts against your cause or philosophy.

Art is intended to push the envelope to the edge and sometimes that’s too much for our personal values but sometimes when we stand on such an edge we see a world that we never knew existed. Their key is to be able to see such a world and appreciate their beauty without being pulled down into it and changing the type of person we want to be.  Time is short so see the art that agrees with the type of person you are but also open your eyes to standing on the envelope. You could always follow my footsteps by leaving early and getting your money back.