I’ve found myself buried in Netflix and political news since before the election. Netflix, because I need some sort of escape and inspiration. News because it’s everywhere and I have to know what’s going on. But y’all, it’s a mess. And because of that, because of the activism, I feel like I’m not doing enough. But what constitutes enough? I feel like it’s trivial to care about fashion, pop culture and art when the world is such a mess. But maybe that’s why I should.
“See the world not as it is but as it should be.” — Glee
Yesterday, I was watching the Glee series finale (I know I’m behind the game). Two years later, I think the message resonates even more. I’m finding it hard to stay positive, especially after the week I had, but a good friend reminded me that what I really should be doing is writing. So, I am. But, I don’t want to talk about politics here — I can’t. Too many things get misinterpreted online. (Side note: I’ll definitely talk about it in person, all you have to do is ask.) Instead, I want to provide some light and inspiration, the same way Glee (only the most recent on a long list of shows) has been inspiring me.
When we think about the world as it should be, we can see its potential. I can see its potential, and maybe that’s as a result of my undying devotion to the arts. No matter what goes on in the world, I can always find solace in music, the written word, movies, and TV shows. I relate to them. Not only that, but the arts also have a way of talking about current events, and they teach you about history outside of that dreaded classroom textbook. But most importantly, they inspire and encourage others to go after their dreams — something I’ve somehow forgotten the magic of as I’ve grown up. Art, like everything else in my life, provides the tools to tell stories and inspires the dreamers. (I might still fancy myself as one.)
Dreamers make the world go round. They represent progress and ideas; they instill hope. Thanks to technology, we can spread the hope, challenges, inspiration and interaction globally. Thanks to the internet, we have the ability to interact with people on the other side of the world in an instant. And sorry, but you can’t change that. Instead, we need to learn how to utilize it positively. Celebrities aren’t the only people with platforms. Social media gives everyday citizens a chance to make their voices heard. But with great power comes great responsibility. Just like in a face-to-face debate, you have to make sure your opinions are backed with facts, and you have to think before you post. (Yes, celebs do, too.)
I’ve always thought too much before I posted. Terrified by the results. Terrified of the response. So instead, my chances to use my voice dwindle into oblivion. But art is at its best when it’s inherently personal. I struggle with that. I struggle with letting people in, but I think I need to take a chance. I need to dream. I need to be positive. I need to know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.
So maybe that’s what this blog will be. It will be my light or yours. It will be my love of books, fashion, art. It will be personal. It will be my voice. It will be a reprieve. It doesn’t mean I won’t talk about politics, but it will mean I’m choosing to talk about facts, etc. when I do. It will be personal. My voice and how I choose to use it is not up for judgment. I’ve always said that this blog will evolve as I do, and I think I’m finally okay with making it what I’ve always wanted it to be. Maybe this blog will finally teach me how to open up my heart to the world I care about deeply and not be afraid of what people are thinking.
It’s a work in progress. I’m a work in progress. The world is a work in progress. I’m choosing to believe in my art and everyone else’s because artists choose to “see the world not as it is, but as it should be,” and we all need that right now.
It’s a work in progress. I’m a work in progress. The world is a work in progress. I’m choosing to believe in my art and everyone else’s because artists choose to “see the world not as it is, but as it should be,” and we all need that right now.
No Comments