One of the saddest problems with some of today's youth is a total disconnect when it comes to judging real value. Normally I love to talk with young people. There's nothing more exciting than to see the wheels turning as a young person questions his world. But lately that's been a little more challenging. Many parents seem to think that all a child needs to know is what's required in school or in church. Beyond that their intellect doesn't need stimulation. Oh they push for athletics but mostly just so their children aren't considered geeks or so they will be exercised properly.
What's missing is a deep appreciation for talent. Not the lame excuse for talent, like screeching on a guitar or scratching on a record. Real talent isn't spitting in a microphone, pulling at body parts or screaming hateful words to the thump, thump of a high school drop out beating an old tin can.
Real talent takes work. Real talent involves planning and practice and intelligence. There's a big difference between a kindergarten stick figure and Norman Rockwell. There's a big difference in Bach or Beethoven and Sonny Bono. I like Sonny Bono and I can praise a child who draws a stick figure (hoping later on that I can steer him to some art lessons). But, I know the difference in their talent. I also know when to stop and praise "real" talent and when to pass by goofin' around. It's hard to talk with young people who can't grasp the concept of Experts and the hard work that guided their path.
The question then is do your children know the difference? Would they pay more to see Lady Ga Ga than to "experience" the Ballet? Would they be well rounded enough to be able to spend time in an art gallery or would they spend the rest of their lives watching Bridezilla exclusively.
As parents we need to open our children's lives and expand their intelligence. We need to be sure they can appreciate the finer things as well as enjoy the simplistic. To give them the best opportunities in life they need to be able to enjoy a football game as well as a piano concert. I hope your child would be the one who stopped and listened in this following example.
My Dad sent this to me and I was choked up. How sad that our society can't see the value of "real" talent.
THE SITUATION
After about 3 minutes: a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.
About 4 minutes later: The violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.
At 6 minutes: A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.
At 10 minutes: A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly.
At 45 minutes: The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.
After 1 hour: He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded.
There was no recognition at all. No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.
This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.
This experiment raised several questions:
*In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?
*If so, do we stop to appreciate it?
*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made . . . How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?
What are you teaching your children about beauty and talent???
Seeking His Wisdom,
Debbie
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