Thursday, November 8, 2012

You do what for a Living?



         

    There is a lesson to be taught to those that wait in line: there is something more productive and of value to be doing for oneself. For instance, more practical time investment that could lead to interests that are lasting, rewarding and that will make a person happy. In Charlotte North Carolina this year, they held auditions for “Idol” for the first time. In that one city alone, it was predicted that up to 15,000 people would audition. With technology shortening our attention span, Idol celebs create even more images of edited instant gratification. The reality though, is unedited and is a person living their life every day.  The term of being “made a star” is often used when the term “a star is born” seems way more realistic for most of us. Many think someone will make them a star, when a person really needs to give a stand out performance in their given chosen field.







In the belly of the highly profitable reality show beast- there is a varied landscape of shows to load up on. Many people are seen dating in the dark, told to function on a strange island or across the globe, risk their lives on a boat or even pop blush on their 5 month old and play the role of Anne Geddes. And it doesn’t always stop there. For the past two decades, MTV has been asking its audience to “find out what happens when people stop being polite and start getting real. Now we can say that a former cast member from The Real World Boston, Sean Duffy, was just re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. The social implications brought on by such programing are undeniable in this case. However, the accomplishments reached on that type of show are far less impressive.

This is because, while watching strangers marry after five dates may be amusing, anyone is applicable for such a position. Instead, I will be looking at competitive reality TV shows that revolve around career ambition for late teens and older. As motivation to participate on a reality show, a career speaks to gaining a higher level of achievement in a particularly chosen field. I will look at whether the entertainment of these shows help fuel a higher level of culture for a healthier society or encourage escapism for a more vapid one? As a fly on their wall, what can we really take away and apply to our lives?


Competitors on career related reality TV can easily be characters served up to wet an impatient appetite or to kill 60 minutes of a person’s day. Some would argue that when a person embraces a reality show celebrity, they are blind to their reality. Further, that people are drawn to watching others on television win prizes because they are too lazy to seek out fortune for their own ambitions. Such distractions can be a lazy trap to lull generations further and further into an “all or nothing” mindset when it comes to a sense of purpose. A parent might see a young adult’s new found role model as abandoning them as soon as the light goes out on their television or mobile device.

In May of this year, DoubleDown Casino launched American Idol social slots. This platform is the world’s largest multi-game virtual casino and it’s available and played by millions on Facebook. (PR Newswire US, May 2012) The show American Idol promotes people’s dreams coming true, but its mass marketed image wants consumers playing on their mobile device, Playstation, Xbox and Gameboy when they aren’t watching the show. They offer products like Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore for Xbox. (Strach, April 2008) This is yet one more way to keep people plugged into the popular show.

Many of us suffer from the idea of today’s “American dream”, but on hyper-manic media state of mind. This view of becoming prosperous may be best called the “new California dream”.  Just like the gold rush back in the 1850’s, the idea of instant prosperity from a golden nugget back then is our golden ticket of today. Of course, our tickets are numbered and slapped across the chest of potential singing stars that wait in audition lines, sometimes for days.

Sometimes blind desire can outweigh asking ourselves questions about winners of such shows, like how did one achieve such skills? Many shows provide small vignettes of contestants in the episodes; typically audition videos or a summary about the person’s life. We may see a part of ourselves reflected in a contestant that has nothing to do with their body of achievements. Instead, only superficial achievements- like a certain look or attitude. Reality shows audition many people who are clearly outside of their element or skillset. Some people feel they have talent, while others audition on a whim. Many people have been featured for such behaviors, some being “repeat offenders”. Even if someone is aware that they don’t have the skills to pass an audition, many do it anyway.
     There is a lesson to be taught to those that wait in line: there is something more productive and of value to be doing for oneself. For instance, more practical time investment that could lead to interests that are lasting, rewarding and that will make a person happy. In Charlotte North Carolina this year, they held auditions for “Idol” for the first time. In that one city alone, it was predicted that up to 15,000 people would audition. With technology shortening our attention span, Idol celebs create even more images of edited instant gratification. The reality though, is unedited and is a person living their life every day.  The term of being “made a star” is often used when the term “a star is born” seems way more realistic for most of us. Many think someone will make them a star, when a person really needs to give a stand out performance in their given chosen field.
             Shows like Project Runway, So You Think You Can Dance and RuPaul’s Drag Race and deliver some true competitive spirit. The draw of these shows is undeniable, with all three shows now having featured seasons with collections of all-stars from past seasons. Clearly, there is something that truly embraces many of us back in these B-list celebs. Surely, some of the education or lessons found throughout each round of elimination can be used as motivation in our own lives.
If you are in school for fashion design and watching Project Runway, you are educated on elements of in-trend mass appeal clothing. Also, you hear feedback and advice given out by leaders in the fashion industry. This includes Michael Kors who has thirty years designing in the fashion industry, including an impressive 200 stores in 74 countries. In addition, designers featured on the show could become a possible internship opportunity or future employer for a student. Choreographers like Sonya Tayeh, from So You Think You Can Dance, creates routines that are danced by and developed with the help of non-professionals They not only hone their skill, but also get a good gauge of their skill level. While conducting a performance workshop at Wayne State University, she was quoted as saying, “I’m a fan of school-dance education because it helps build confidence and it helps you eloquently express your vision as an artist.” (Robinson, 2010)

A good example of lessons taught in tolerance is Ru Paul’s Drag Race, airing on the LGBT network LOGO. Not everyone can be a drag superstar, but society can benefit from “tucking” some of our insecurities away. Plus, nothing says “having the confidence to be yourself” and “don’t take yourself too seriously” like a dude wearing a breast plate, wig and four yards of sequins. Many stars from the show have been role models for some serious issues facing our society. Featured drag queens, like Pandora Boxx, use their platform to discuss getting through attempted suicides and becoming a happy adult. This includes making videos for the It Gets Better Project, a project that focuses on LGBT youth that fear torment from others due to their sexuality.  The latest Drag Race winner, Sharon Needles, also became a spokesperson/activist for P.E.T.A. Her latest PSA discusses her encouraging a vegetarian lifestyle over that of chopped up, hacked off limbs. Both messages positively encourage life as a choice to make over death. It is a refreshing message that says we have the right and responsibility to give ourselves many options and opportunities.



I think that we all want to relate to one another, to connect. To feel otherwise- that our lives are outside of, disconnected or different from all others leaves us in a state of depression. Geneticist Guy Murchie says that we are all family. He says, “that we have at least a million relatives as close as tenth cousin, and no one on Earth is any farther removed than your 50th cousin.” Murchie describes our kinship through each breath, taking in 10 sextillion atoms. Furthermore, “that we will have taken in oxygen molecules exhaled by every person alive, as well as by everyone who ever lived within one year.” Right now, I could be carrying atoms that were once inside the lungs of Shirley Chisholm, Alice Paul, Joan of Arc and Cleopatra. For that matter, I may also be breathing in a cocktail of reality show celebs. So, perhaps is it only natural. Only human to embrace the light of someone that shines far away from our current conditions in life. Unfortunately, as unwittingly easy as we make such remarkable connections, they are fleeting. This is what happens to most of us when we are told to “reach for the stars.” Actually becoming one and holding onto such status is quite another matter. It takes passion, determination, talent, nerve and synergy just to start on such a path.

Nonetheless, lessons in success are possible to attain from such pursuits. Personally, I know people that have either used reality TV to show off their talents or to spark a further commitment to doing what they already enjoy. My current roommate uses being on Ninja Warrior as a reason to stay up on training in parkour and martial arts. Also, a friend who has devoted years of her life to crafting and selling a variety of goods online, recently won on the newly popular show Craft Wars. By posting links to articles, photos and video on anything from their Twitter account to their Etsy account- they can also increase their branding.

I feel that soon we will all be no more than five degrees of separation away from the winner of a reality show, if we aren’t playing that star role ourselves. While I don’t condone competing and living with 20 strangers in a mansion to win the lust and affections of one random person on national TV, exposure on TV does have its positive opportunities. For example, a healthy competition in your area of expertise with prizes that contribute to building on that talent. Also, unlike coming into infamy on YouTube, there is a greater air of respect that comes along with it. In part, because anyone can appear on YouTube whenever they feel like uploading content. On television, they are seen as part of a chosen few. In this still great land of opportunity we all have “equal reality rights”; the right to thrive in the spotlight and the right to wait in line for three days to do it.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Once you go black..

I have been a red head over half my life now. It's a choice made over and over- from auburn to almost blondish red. I read a book about my astrological sign of Cancer that told me I should likely have red hair and I agree. The same book also told me would likely have olive skin- check! ..and an ample bosom, which was dumb.. and something about pearls, also dumb. But I digress. I have relatives that were lucky enough to grab onto the gene. Even one grandfather was nicknamed "Red". I held a longing for red locks since I was small. Playing with Barbies in my youth, I was thrilled when Midge came out. More specifically, "Bride Midge". I had never had a bride doll before, but this one had red hair and was (therefore) a must have. I even found my way into owning one issue of Spiderman- the one with Peter and (red haired) Mary Jane on the cover dressed in bridal wear. Based on those two examples alone, you may not be surprised that my like for fiery locks spread into my love interest. One of my first crushes was on the boy next door.. well, the house behind my parents after you hop a fence. I was smitten yet so little that I didn't even know what it was I was feeling, but heartbreak set in when girls were suddenly "yucky" and I pawned off onto his younger sister. In elementary school I found another red haired crush. Less freckled and his face wasn't as red-toned, but pale. The closest I ever got to him was snapping a picture that was taken at a Halloween parade around the school. I still recall he was wearing all black. I guess he was a burglar.. of my little heart.
When I was a teenager, I got my first box of hair dye. My friend took dorked out pictures of me holding signs that read "before", "during" and "after". It was the beginning of a love affair, but unlike Viagra, no pills have been invented for red hair to grow on demand. And while female friends with curly red fros have been rockstars in my life, "ginger males" have fallen flat.  The instant charm I once automatically labeled them with eventually died and new labels of "likely an idiot" and "they all really just look the same" have taken their place. Thankfully, like I said, the red-haired women have always been strong and awesome. I have had the motto for a while now that "I support all red heads- real and fictional." (And female, of course.) I dare you to try and make a case against Blossom from the Power Puff Girls or Willow from Buffy as not rock'n chicks. Or my friends Samantha and Lindsay- I dare you! They kick major ass!
With all this happiness jonesing over a shiny strawberry top, why would I even be tempted to switch over to the dark side? Especially when I have invented my own fears.. It all started when I bought my first black wig. I had worn wigs before, but my blue one was worn the most. It was a super-short angeled cut with curved baby bangs. The black wig was a long bob with bangs that touched the tops of my eye brows. I was doing a lot of photography at the time and I had many a photo shoot with vintage 40's dresses and also just wore it out for a change up. Whenever I wore it though, I noticed a difference in how I felt.. More serious, catty, what's the word I am looking for? Ah, yes- bitchy. I didn't slap people or throw rocks at small children, but I felt a persona shift. (I think the actress part of my brain may have been tricked.) But when the wig was off, the persona party ended. When the first black wig was getting worn and ugly, I got another. Same style, but a better quality wig. Same effect though. I would get a power surge and I could get mean in some people's company. Mostly just to razz them, but like Mary Poppins there was a dark edge to me and my choice of words.
Now, in all fairness, the last wig I owned was honey blonde with deep purple highlights, layers and long bangs. That too gave me a persona shift. Perhaps a little more sarcastic.. maybe? My other concern with getting my black on for reals has to do with color therapy. I worry that spending each day coated in space black locks will bring me down vs. feeling lighter with my ruby sheen 24/7. Overall, this is something I ponder from time to time. Sometimes, I use these fears as possible motivators. Like when I feel like everyone and my life is kicking me around and I want to start fresh. I think that maybe I should "black-up" and dye in some battle mode hair. My life, my way- it's a brand new and black-a-dee black day! .. But I don't. Never have.
And that time has cycled round again. So I ponder today if changing my hair will change my life.. or at least make me a better life coach for myself? I pondered and pondered this. I thought of all the non-bitchy women I know who have long kept up a polished black mane (real or created). And I think of some of my favorite (kind) tv vixens whose smile lit up their night spun hair. I wonder if I can take the plunge too? I thought this all the way to the store and as I stared at box after coloring box that called out to me. I came home and unpacked my bag of as much a risk as I am willing to take. My very light auburn framed face will be replaced with some intense copper coloring and notes of luscious bordeaux.  A compromise to make some change, but not to live surrounded by soft strands of permanent midnight.

.. at least not yet.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Imagine That..!!


As an adult, we often use our imagination for some structured purpose. Maybe laid out by a superior at work, we are told to create something within certain set parameters. When we focus on what is right in front of us, what has been laid out for us- too often we narrow our minds and ourselves. As an adult, I attended school for improvisation for many years. I was taught different ways to use my imagination. One of the best lessons I learned was that you didn’t have to start small or safe. If the scene had me living in an extravagant house, I wouldn’t refer to diamonds I owned, but rather the 60 ft marble fountain carved in the shape of the Lock Ness Monster. And I knew I could only keep heightening the scene from there.. There is an expression, the sky’s the limit. But that certainly is not true. We know this. Even being encouraged to reach for the stars is still, somewhat limiting.
To quote Galileo, “The sun, with all those planets revolving around it and dependent on it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as if it had nothing else to do in the universe.”
Your imagination lives on the scale of a universe. It peers beyond what is present in our lives. It is an echo of what could be true in our future. We all deal with stress, with sadness, with fear, sometimes asking- how will we ever get out from where we are now? That’s when we really need to hear that echo. That wisdom that comes from what we imagine for ourselves. Not to challenge us, but remind us that the power of our imagination is limitless- and that power- is ours whenever we need it.
Aristotle once said, “Contemplation is the highest form of activity.” And that is what I am speaking to you about today, about using the invaluable gift of your imagination. A gift that is outrageously abundant.
How would you like to be in your life? For myself, I have career aspirations. I want success working in the field of psychology. Now, there are many other things that I may want to do, but that just feels natural, for me. What feels natural for you? What are things you want that don’t feel natural? There’s an important difference there. And this want I have serves my life. It does not condemn others or wish others harm. This is mine.. Morihei Ueshiba, founder of the martial art of a-key-dow said, “As soon as you concern yourself with the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ of your fellows, you create an opening in your heart for maliciousness to enter. Testing, competing with and criticizing others weaken and defeat you.”
Close your eyes and imagine how you want to be. What are you wearing? What do you look like? What surrounds you- objects, a person, an animal?  Imagine yourself there. How do you feel? Now,  open your eyes. Your imagination will never fail you.  Whenever you need it- go to that feeling of happiness. Connect to that echo. Feel that wisdom. That success that you’ve already created for yourself.
Your imagination will never fail you or cheat you. It doesn’t care if when you contemplate, when you are creating- you’re 3, 30 or 60. It fits perfectly into the body of a child, as well as an adult.  Our imagination is a gift. We are gifting ourselves to use it. “To be an altruist, you must first be an egoist”, said George Gurdjieff. In other words, providing for ourselves can then enable us to provide for others.

Some of the largest pieces of life are found in our imagination. When Isaac Newton discovered and named “gravity”, he could not touch it nor hear it. He saw it only in his mind, knowing what he experienced and felt. Yet, this one invisible force rules all that we can see so clearly with our eyes wide open. The invisible can be powerful and this power can be visible.
As children, our imagination is a lucid, luminous lightning bolt. It’s blaze wakes us up to the world. As a child, I used my imagination often. There were many days that I would make ice cream with my bike. It was something that lots of kids did on streets around where I lived. You flip your bike over, get ingredients from the yard- ice cream! Recently, I was over at my brother’s house. We were standing over a used bike that he had bought. It was being looked at for any necessary repairs and, because of this, it was flipped over.  My brother turned to me and asked me “Sarah, you wanna make some ice cream?” And I replied, “yes, I absolutely do.”
We need to make our intentions clear. If you pretend to be who you’re not, you will connect to things that don’t benefit you. We need to stop pining for ourselves. It is essential to our well-being that we don’t always wait for others to tell us what they see in us. To quote Steve Jobs, “Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” When you are just being yourself, you are ingeniously confessing the truth. So, exercise your rights to seek splendors in thought and stare into the abyss of happiness. And remember- you’re imagination fits you perfectly because you are an absolutely perfect fit for your life.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

How to make friends with tv show people

After having to move 4 fucking times this year (so far) I found it difficult to set up a social circle. I left Michigan at the end of December and drove to California. I became a tumble weed, shoving myself through one bad living situation to the next. At one point, I had to realize that the best friends to get me through some of my more miserable days were found online. The following is a guide to finding the right set of tv friends for your hard times in life.

What you will need:
A Netflix account
Lots of time alone
A laptop or gaming device

Passionate Relationship That You Want To Leave? Try Desperate Housewives.
 It paints a world where husbands die a lot, people get poisoned, drama gets you laid (a lot), if you date enough people you will eventually date a millionaire.

Wish You Were In a Relationship? Watch anything with hot people.
 Movies are ok, but there are only so many times you can watch Thor. Television series are better. Season after season of hot people doing hot stuff. Well written shows are best, but well dressed or undressed is the goal here.

Hate Your Job? Escape into a fun work environment!
The IT Crowd offers quirky British slapstick featuring a red head, a black nerd and that guy who was the cop in Bridesmaids. Also, check out Better Off Ted. It stars Portia de Rossi in a power role, a handsome man in a suit and an awesome actor from Andy Richter Controls the Universe. Both wacked out work environments make you, both, want to work there and fear the people in charge.

Want to go into a Career in Psychology? Watch Being Erica (this is on HULU)
You know how you always wanted to examine your life through time travel? This is a show about about becoming the person you want, when you want to- or not and fucking things up. Lots of great life themes to ponder on with a Canadian backdrop.

Want To Feel Fucking Fabulous? Ru Pual Tv
You get your choice of Drag Race or Drag U (find on Facebook). Ru Paul is a has great insight and really influences and changes people's lives in positive ways. I recommend that you get your Drag Race on first, so you can find a favorite Queen or two to keep loving on Drag U. The things that are really embraced are laughing, loving yourself, looking gorgeous, being creatively you and fierceness. Some days I can't pull myself out into the world so easily. One trick I use is to leave the house like my favorite Queen... minus the make-up. I just think about a certain Queen and embody the attitude. I strut out the door like I'm Raven on the runway or flaunt an unflappable smile a la Pandora Boxx.

..Now, maybe you are thinking- Sarah, I thought this was gonna teach me how to land a Hollywood hottie or at least borrow their clothes..!
To that, I say, don't stress. While this may not have given you a fast pass to stardom hopping- just you wait. No, really! Wait. Because in time we will all be on tv. Reality tv is still huge and we are all destined to make our debut. I base this on the fact that, when I lived in Michigan, my friend's friend went on the Bachelor. Then a friend of my boyfriend went on the Bachelorette. (he put out a cd with an insert that unfolded into a picture of his face). Since moving to California, I met a friend of my latest ex who is about to throw down on Craft Wars. And I somehow ended up living with one of the dude's that does Ninja Warrior every year. The way I see it, either my best friend or myself will be thrown on your tele, laptop, tablet or other device any time now. If it's me, it will probably be due to something awesome that my cat did. My point is, don't worry. You will be on tv soon enough and bump into someone with a claim to fame. And for those that don't like reality tv- I say beware. The line is getter thinner and thinner between hating reality shows and hating your own life!