I have wanted to see this movie for a while and haven't because my wife told me it looked sad and I would therefore have to watch it alone. I am giving fair warning to those of you without a TV Guardian or other family friendly editing device that there is some swearing and disturbing images. That is my warning and now I can move on to my reason for writing this blog. I believe in God. I believe that I am here for a purpose, and because of that I have chosen to live my life in a certain way. That being said, I don't believe my decisions or the life I have chosen is for everyone. I also don't believe that I have the right or duty to FORCE change on anyone else who is trudging along in this world to bend or bow to my expectations. In religious circles they call it, "Fulfilling the measure of your creation." What I believe that means is that the only one that knows what your potential is, is you and your maker. Now this could be considered a spoiler, so if you plan on seeing the movie, stop here and comeback when you have seen it. If not, read on. In the movie, Robert Downey Jr (RDJ). meets Nathaniel Anthony Ayers (NAA, Jamie Foxx), a gifted musician and former Julliard student that also suffers from Schizophrenia. Ironically, I have been making some posts joking about Schizophrenia, having nothing to do with the movie, and feel horrible about making light of it. In the movie, RDJ, sees NAA, a homeless street musician and recognizes his condition and decides that someone as talented as NAA shouldn't be relegated to the environment that exists amongst the homeless in Los Angeles, and takes it upon himself to save NAA. He does what he thinks is best for him and in the end just causes NAA so much pain. Then he realizes after a huge blowout what he has done and figures out all he can change is himself. Considering his life is pretty screwed up, the lesson is learned and all works out in the end. I loved the movie, it truly made me think about how I look at other people. Now, before anyone jumps in and says, yeah, we should all be accepting of behavior that we don't agree with, that's not what I am saying. I think that we should always do what we can to improve the lives of those we befriend and meet on a daily basis, but we shouldn't be shocked or hurt when they decide it isn't for them. I think that what I saw, is that even though there is sometimes better things out there for someone, it is entirely possible, they just don't want it. That is their choice. I believe that sometimes intention clouds our judgment and sometimes we become less tolerant of the individual we cannot change. They become lesser than us, a punch line or even and enemy. But really, they are just like everyone else, different. Am I making any sense? I know that I am firm in my belief system and I am not going to change that. I will always think I am right, and I will always try to do for others what I think is best for them. But when, they tell me to stop, I will have to do so and not walk away in a frustrated huff or feel offended and hurt. At that point, I will remember that everyone on this earth has unlimited potential, with the power to decide who and what they will be, reaping both the benefits and consequences of their decisions, just like me.
So, I am not normally one to try and be trendy but as my kids are interested in Taylor Swift, I couldn't help but follow the antics of Kanye West at the MTV Video Music Awards. I was throroughly appauled by his behavior and his disrespect for Taylor Swift and her fans, as the award is based on popularity, and her fans did their part to put her in that spotlight.
I was also surprised at the backlash that was created by his comments within the celebrity world. I think that the realization came that it could have very well been any of them that were interrupted. However, his problem is that he picked someone that doesn't use celebrity antics to gain popularity. He as one celeb put it, "stepped on a kitten." In a world where there are public brawls among celebrities, it surprised me to see so many stand up and say, "Hey, that wasn't right." I can't help but wonder, how much we hear and see is publicity and known as such, and that is why there is no backlash.
All this being said, I also believe that there is great humility in admitting you have made a mistake. That shouldn't take away from your consequences or diminish restitution, but it definitely shows your character. I think the root of the problem that we saw with Kanye, isn't his celebrity, isn't his boisterous nature, it is what can happen to anyone who doesn't take the time to think about the impact they will have on another and thought his msitake was public as was his apology, how many of us step on kittens when no one is around and never apologize for it.
Just food for thought.
Hello All,
It has been quite a while since I have done anything with my blog. Ironically, it was because I had started doing something with my blog and never finished. It should now be known that I am finished.
As, you will see I have updated the look of the blog (with the help of a template) and added pertinent links to things me on the internet. In case, you are wondering, I do have a myspace that is not listed on the site but that is because, I think that there are better tools.
I will resume posting my opinions and such very soon...thanks for visiting and be sure to leave comments if you wish.
