I have unfortunately now seen two episodes of that self-indulgent family, the Kardashians' show. Who are these people exactly and who cares about their lives? One of them wears way too much make-up for everyday use. There is a difference between day and night make-up, mainly that one is less heavy than the other. They talk with the speech pattern and tone of a middle schooler. I could understand if this was a scripted soap opera about middle school kids. But it's not. I had hoped that adults, 20-something year olds, did not like talk like this? Quite frankly, who cares about these people? The reason why I've seen the show? Let's just say there's not that much space where I live. I have felt my brain cells dying while watching this show. I want to be a writer, but I don't think I could ever make it because I refuse to dumb myself down. I am aware that I don't have the most life experience, but there's hope and time. I want to write something that has permanence, and relevance, not just for the present, but for the future. I want to write a best-seller that can be read by everyone and studied by individuals and maybe even students. Sadly, many great writers were not recognized during their time. I hope I'm not one of those. What's a girl to do? I feel like Cunegonde from Candide; should I give up my virtue (intelligence) for money? How many authors have chosen writing for the masses over reaching their full potential? How many got lucky and wrote to their full potential and were popular during their time? How many wrote to their full potential and are only recognized now post mortem? Of course, there are so many that have gotten neither recognition nor financial benefits during their time or post-mortem. What is in store for me? Should I come up with a concept as brainless as Keeping Up With the Kardashians, or should I strive for something higher?
Glitter and be gay,
That's the part I play;
Here I am in Paris, France,
Forced to bend my soul
To a sordid role,
Victimized by bitter, bitter circumstance.
Alas for me! Had I remained
Beside my lady mother,
My virtue had remained unstained
Until my maiden hand was gained
By some Grand Duke or other.
Ah, 'twas not to be;
Harsh necessity
Brought me to this gilded cage.
Born to higher things,
Here I droop my wings,
Ah! Singing of a sorrow nothing can assuage.
And yet of course I rather like to revel,
Ha ha!
I have no strong objection to champagne,
Ha ha!
My wardrobe is expensive as the devil,
Ha ha!
Perhaps it is ignoble to complain...
Enough, enough
Of being basely tearful!
I'll show my noble stuff
By being bright and cheerful!
Ha ha ha ha ha! Ha!
Pearls and ruby rings...
Ah, how can worldly things
Take the place of honor lost?
Can they compensate
For my fallen state,
Purchased as they were at such an awful cost?
Bracelets...lavalieres
Can they dry my tears?
Can they blind my eyes to shame?
Can the brightest brooch
Shield me from reproach?
Can the purest diamond purify my name?
And yet of course these trinkets are endearing,
Ha ha!
I'm oh, so glad my sapphire is a star,
Ha ha!
I rather like a twenty-carat earring,
Ha ha!
If I'm not pure, at least my jewels are!
Enough! Enough!
I'll take their diamond necklace
And show my noble stuff
By being gay and reckless!
Ha ha ha ha ha! Ha!
Observe how bravely I conceal
The dreadful, dreadful shame I feel.
Ha ha ha ha!
-Candide "Glitter and be Gay" written by by Leonard Bernstein and Richard Wilbur
I've only seen a few episodes of that show and I do agree that its possible to suffer mind-numbingness from it, but think of it from their view, maybe they don't like writing such low brow scripts but that's what makes money (which brings to question the audience for whom its intended for). But as for you and your future in writing you may have to alter your writing according to your employer at the time but don't lose focus of your goal. I'd recommend learning script writing and empty out your creativity that way, Eagle Eye was written a good 10 years prior to the movie and the script was never used, so don't think of it as sacrificing your quest for intellegence just think of it as a brief adjustment in that quest.
ReplyDeleteActually, I love the theatre. But I read somewhere once that most playwrites do not only write plays. I want to write books, or even short stories. I'm hesitant to turn this blog into my story folder because Walt Disney's original idea was stolen- that's why he was so protective of his material. In this day and age, it's so easy to steal ideas and I don't want what happened to Walt to happen to me.
ReplyDeleteBut thank you so much for your words of encouragement!
Happy reading,
Maverick
I agree with the first poster, in an ideal world everyone could appreciate great writing and none of the junk that's shown on tv but don't give up on writing the best you can, I believe that with time people will wise up and acknowledge better written material. :]
ReplyDeleteSadly, we are not in an ideal world. If we were, the world would be full of people bursting out into song and dance and everyone would know the words and steps. ;)Or at least, that's my ideal world.
ReplyDeleteThe Kardashians are never going to cure cancer or solve the problem of worl hunger, but they will do is attract attention. It doesn't matter if they are up to "your intellectual standards", but would you insult somebody who you've never met simply because they might not have had the same education as you? You claim to be a writer, but right now you're a cynic. The Kardashians may not speak like Shakespeare, but they command the attention of those who do not want hear the Bard. It does'nt kill their brain cells because maybe they envision a life of luxury one day or for othe reasons. In other words, stop hating.
ReplyDeleteMy question to you is who cares about them and their everyday problems? Why are their lives better/more exciting/more important than our own individual lives/those around us? What makes them so incredible? My point in the blog was, who are they and why do they have a show? Am I a bit of a cynic? Yes; I don't buy into everything the cultural world throws at me. Is that so wrong? The name of my blog should say it all "Living Under A Rock". This blog is slowly developing into a social commentary from the perspective of someone who rejects some aspects of society. I don't expect everyone to talk like Shakespeare, nor do I expect everyone to have the same level of education. There are some people you just can’t take seriously. Look around you in your own life. Surely, there’s that one person at your job that you just can’t take seriously. For me, the Kardashians are those kinds of people that you can’t take seriously. Or, at the very least, that’s how they are portrayed/portray themselves on their show. They come off as shallow and aloof. Which brings us to the question of why do people care about them? Are people that starved for entertainment that they’ll watch anything? Please, explain to me what is so attractive about them. Why do you enjoy watching the show? I would love to hear from you!
ReplyDeleteHappy reading,
Maverick
People care because they look for an outlet. I myself don't find the show appealing, however some look at the spoiled life as an ideal life. They are socialites who come from a wealthy family (think Paris Hilton) and they have a show because, well, who doesn't have a reality show these days? it isn't that people will watch anything, it's that they want to experience a world where education, hard work, taxes, and everything that makes life miserable isn't applied to these people. They want to see what it is like to live a "good" life. It may not be your definition of good, but that's why you don't want to watch the show.
ReplyDeleteThe sad thing is, that "good life" as you call it, is an illusion. They are just as likely to get sick as you and I are. (The only thing they have that chances are you and I don't have is the money to pay for better doctors, insurace, etc) They have to pay taxes just like you and I. Take away the glitz and glitter and they are only people. We (as a society) cannot forget that.
ReplyDeleteOn a random note, how did you find my blog? I hope you enjoy it and continue to check back here every once in a while.
Happy reading
Maverick
It is not an illusion, because spending a week in Cabo whenever you want is real. Also, taxes mean just writing another check, not worrying whether or not you can pay the rent. Stop referring to society and how you reject it because our society is not one culture or one following, it is an ocean of many tides. Also I found your blog because I'm a vlogger and I habitually check this site. And for a little tip, I wouldn't say "Happy Reading", it sounds weird. Also, it's ok to use your first name, nobody is going to stalk you and it gets you in tune with yur readers. Lastly about the whole society not being ocean thing, don't talk about how much of a rebel you are because you "don't buy everything". It's completely over done and puts you into a very large pool. Wonderful, two water references.
ReplyDelete