Wednesday, November 12, 2008

So You Want to be a "Somebody?"

“Everybody that have money, ya know, just can’t open up a business and call it a day… You have to plant seeds and let it grow…”
Wiser words have never been uttered, at least not on reality television! Thanks to the ultra eccentric and super FabUless, style guru Dwight Eubanks from the “Real Housewives of Atlanta.” In regard to several of the reality divas “childhood dreams” come true (only because they have excessive amounts of their husband and or “Big Papa’s" money) and now a cable network show encouraging them to play dress up and pretend they had any other fantasy beside being rich and famous however they could- most of the women on the show, by marring an NBA or NFL players and spending all of their hard earned cash.
Originally the idea of this show was a fun slice into the elite women of Orange County… Now however, and in the grand tradition of Reality TV (already made celebrities included) these shows serve as a launch pad- off into a world of celebrity that we watch and laugh, not because the subject is so talented an artist or gifted in an area of expertise… Mainly, they are so desperate to have their name be known, that they would do and say anything that garners attention (with the exception of actually being exceptional at ANYTHING else.)
Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate shows like “Top Chef”, “Project Runway”, and “Top Design” for the simple fact that almost always, everyone competing has talent and has worked at making their dream happen.
The women on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” are playing the part of a Hollywood star, and have nothing to back it up. They parade around in designer gowns, raunchy fake hair (Kim), excessive amounts of: make-up and jewelry and describe themselves as “Classy” while dropping the F-bomb in every conversation. Using words like “hater” to describe someone who doesn’t share similar taste, style and support of their un-talent.
I have two very dear friends, both of whom are from Atlanta. I would describe both as smart, strong, talented, graceful and yes… classy. I don’t think they have ever acted or behaved like these “elite” women on the show. Moreover, they both left Atlanta to pursue their goals and dreams… Both now have successful careers as artists. They made it without a husband, without any money and not because they wore designer gowns and went to “star-studded” celebrity fundraisers to “network…”
Two of the women on the show in particular have sparked my interest: Kim and Sheree. Kim, a separated mother of two has always wanted to be a country singer. Just don’t ask her to sing… because she can’t. Not that you can’t make it as a singer just for that small detail, many famous singers (some with Grammys) can’t sing too… The difference is they ALL tried. Kim sees no need to listen to a voice coach about technique… “That won’t matter when I’m in the booth…” It’s sad really, because she has fallen victim to the idea that you don’t have to have passion, talent or determination… just money. True, money will aid in looking the part and put you on a map but it sure as hell won’t keep you there.

Then there is Sheree, a would be fashion designer, who doesn’t sketch her own work, can’t sew and holds a viewing party for her new collection- minus the collection… None of the clothes were tailored to her satisfaction, which begs the question… Why? Maybe because the only contribution you made to “your” collection, was deciding whom to invite to this momentous event where even you decided to wear another designer’s gown- which speaks volumes for your work! At best, you are the most put together gal on the show, and could maybe be a stylist… Maybe!
So you want to be a “somebody?” I get it… I do. You have a dream or goal and believe it is your destiny to fulfill it? You have a special gift or talent that keeps you up at night hoping and praying that you’ll have a chance to achieve it. Or at least die trying…
But I ask:
What about hard work? What about taking classes to develop your craft and passion? What about eating Top Roman everyday for a year because that was all you could afford? What about crying in the stock room at your day job, because you’re so tired and still have to work four more hours before running to an audition? What about having only two days to come up with the $200.oo you’re shy on next months rent?
I know not every aspiring artist has had to work as hard, endure the same struggles or face the same obstacles. I also believe that there is no “right” way to accomplish any goal or dream.
However, I maintain that every single actor, dancer, musician, writer, director, painter, and designer… has shared in the dedication, hard work, rejection, and baby steps toward taking their passion from a childhood dream to a reality… Instead of sitting around praying for a reality TV show to come along and suddenly make them something they’re not! No amount of money in the world can give you talent… Money only offers the façade…

Please take note of the picture to the left for an example of the facade... Sheree to the left and Kim (fake hair and all...) to the right. Kim you can try to dress up like Dolly Parton... but you'll never have her class, talent or hair! This picture is courtesy of a fan photog and the world wide web.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Divorce or Marriage...


Depending on where you search the internet, the divorce rate in this country can be anywhere from 43% to just over 50% of all marriages ending in divorce. Though it is almost impossible to find a straight answer or statistic on the matter... even the National Center for Health Statistics, despite all of their surveys, charts and graphs offer only a projected percentage.
Nevertheless, I think it's safe to say, that divorce is a very common solution to married life.
When I was growing up, I remember thinking how lucky I was that my parents were still together, as the majority of my friends' parents were divorced...
Then that day happened to me and my family... I was a junior in high school when my parents decided to separate. I never thought that day would happen, and though I know my parents tried very hard to work through their problems, the inevitable D-day still came. I hold no judgments on my parents. I love them both very much, and I believe that they are both very happy in their lives now.
That being said, I have four wonderful role models when it comes to marriage... My Grandma & Grandpa Shaffer have been married 52 years, and my Grandma & Grandpa Smith 51 years. Their love, dedication and hard work give me such hope!
That's why I'm so shocked that there are people in this country who fight so hard against allowing equal rights to everyone in regard to sharing a loving bond and commitment to one another until death do them part.
What exactly is "Traditional Marriage?"
How many people live without sin? I'm no authority on religion, but my general belief was that we are all sinners... So why then are some above the rest? Why is it okay to preach hate and fear? Didn't Jesus Christ preach love and forgiveness? Why with so many marriages ending in divorce, abuse, adultery... Should anyone stand as the authority on who can and cannot marry.
Yes. The Bible. Everyone always quotes the Bible.
Ironically, the same people who defend the term "Traditional Marriage" as one man and one woman- have a wonderful way of overlooking the Word of the Bible that no longer suits their needs:
i.e. you shall not commit adultery, love thy neighbor, let he who is without sin cast the first stone... The list goes on and on, and of course like almost everything in the Bible- either side can find a justification or exception.
So here is my thought, since we are ALL sinners and the "Traditional Marriage" divorce rate is at nearly 50%... Why not encourage the bond between two people. Encourage love, honor and monogamy for all people, and maybe future generations will be able to get the divorce rate down...

Hope.


I will never forget the night of November 4, 2008. I was fortunate enough to gather with a group of friends as we watched this country come together and unite in equality. That once again hope, faith and humanity have joined with the promise of change. A commitment to come together on equal ground as the United States of America. I'm so grateful to live in America- where every voice can be heard, every person has the right to freedom and with hard work and faith, dreams can become reality.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Vote!

The day has finally come! After nearly two years of back and forth mudslinging, lies and ruthless (mostly bias) media coverage... Election day is upon us! I'm proud to say that I woke up bright and early at 6:45 AM to be among the first on the west coast to cast my vote! When I showed up at my voting location, I was overwhelmed at the turn out!!! ...The line to vote stretched around the front of the building and up the hill. I waited almost an hour to walk in, blot my vote in ink, and scan it into the electronic scan machines that we have here in Los Angeles.
It was worth every second that passed in that line. The joy, comradeship and history making lines made every single person voting with me proud to be an American!
I've voted in every election since I turned 18... It has been something that I've always admired about my family. My Grandma Shaffer served on the Democratic council in Colorado for over 30 years... And my Grandpa Smith was the County Commissioner in his hometown in Colorado, where I saw first hand the positive affect one person can have on our Democracy.

So whatever your belief is, whom ever you trust as our next President... Please vote! Go now, get off the internet and GO VOTE!!