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"Keeping It 💯" vs. "Keeping It Real"
Perfectionism + Purity Tests In The Attention (Deficit) Age
For the record, I have never met anyone I've agreed with (or even liked) 100%.
Some folks come pretty close to “perfect” in my opinion, but imagine how boring life would be if we agreed about EVERYTHING.
There’d be no need to get to know anyone or learn anything new.
So when faced with "Keeping It 💯" vs. "Keeping It Real," in the spirit of the legendary disco diva Sylvester (James Jr.), I (aim to) keep it “Mighty Real.”
But it’s not 1978 anymore. 2024 is a different game…and a different score.
I’m not sure even the late, great Sylvester would know what to make of the we’re-here-we’re-queer crowd or life now.
While I have faith in these desolate times, they be…confusing. So it’s no wonder folks, myself included, look for any chance and/or evidence to dismiss and move on from anyone and anything that doesn’t fit with our opinions, tastes, and/or world views.
DANGER + STRUGGLE = REAL
In our quest to find what/who we like and agree with, we can find ourselves trapped in an echo chamber, constantly consuming the same ideas, perspectives, and content.
This phenomenon, especially prevalent in the attention (deficit) economy, messes with our understanding and appreciation of art, politics, music, movies, and pretty much everything in life.
Variety is the spice of life, right?
So why not sample more flavors of ice cream?
THE ECHO CHAMBERS = COMFORT ZONES
Echo chambers are places where you only hear information and opinions that echo your own. Different perspectives? Minimized. Critical thinking? Stifled.
Echo chambers can warp your view of reality and stunt personal growth.
Social media algorithms keep us glued to our screens by showing us content similar to what we've liked before, creating a feedback loop that just reinforces our existing beliefs and preferences.
DAVID HOCKNEY = MY CAUTIONARY TALE
Note: I share this personal example because I find it both hilarious and illustrative. Oh the foolish audacity of youth…with its flavor-of-the-month opinions!
Once upon a time, I didn’t like David Hockney’s painting. Actually, I hated all his work. Even though I’d only seen a handful of paintings, all from the same period, I was sure I “knew” everything what he was about and I didn’t like. Not one bit.
This was one of those paintings. I was going through a “that’s too gay” phase. Obviously I got over it. Because today, it’s one of my favorite of his paintings.
What changed? Well, I did…after a friend dragged me (bitching and glitching) to an exhibit of Hockney’s work that included samples from all his periods and styles and techniques. The exhibit left me literally in tears…of joy and wonder.
So much art. So much heart.
While I don’t like ALL of Hockney’s pieces, I love the entirety of his creative output. From the large-scale landscapes to the small-scale iPad doodles. And everything in between…especially his photography.
The sum of Hockney’s work, for me, is more than just the parts.
Each piece, whether it resonates with me personally or not, contributes to his broader creative vision. Each piece was a necessary step in his creative journey.
David Hockney reminds me to keep embracing diversity, imperfection, and variety. Because they can lead to a more fulfilling and expansive artistic experience.
As an art lover…and an art maker.
CANCELLATIONS + DISMISSALS = LOST OPPORTUNITIES
With more media available 24/7 than ever in the history of man and the rise of internet culture and, it only makes sense that cancel culture is so prevalent…a necessary evil.
Who has time to listen to music that isn’t immediately our cup of tea or consider ideas that are outside our comfort zones? Not I, says this guy. Mostly. And yet I try.
If a popular singer posts something “cringe” on social media, many may choose to opt off of listening to them anymore. If a popular politician changes their position even a little, many may choose to vote for their rival. Out of spite. “How dare they change their opinion and disappoint me!”
Human nature, especially my own, is way funnier when appreciated from afar.
Personally, if I agree with or like someone/something ~80%, I consider myself a fan, follower, and/or friend. And, for the record, I don’t mess with cults or stans.
Group think is not my cup of tea…all tea, all shade.
I don’t have to like everything about someone (or their work) to love them. And want to show them whatever attention, support, and time I have available.
“FREE ME” (FROM THE ECHO CHAMBER)
I “discovered” Pop’s Cool Love in a bargain bin of a used CD store in the mid-1990s. Their song “Free Me” continues to amuse and inspire me. And not just because the lead singer has great pecs. (See music video above!)
For me, the song is a reminder that, in order to truly enrich our lives and broaden our horizons, we must seek out diverse perspectives and experiences. In and out of the bargain bin. Here are a few strategies to break free from the echo chamber:
EXPLORE NEW CONTENT
Seek out creators, artists, and thinkers who challenge your viewpoints. Engage with different genres, styles, and perspectives in music, movies, art, and literature.ENGAGE IN CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE
Talk to people with different opinions. Approach these discussions with an open mind and a willingness to learn.CHALLENGE AL/ALGORITHM
Be mindful of how algorithms shape your content consumption. Actively search for and follow accounts that offer diverse viewpoints to diversify your feed.EMBRACE IMPERFECTION
Recognize that perfectionism stifles creativity and growth. Allow yourself and others the freedom to take risks and make mistakes.
Variety is indeed the spice of life. By breaking free of the echo chambers, we can foster a richer, more nuanced understanding of ourselves and the world around us. But it’s not always easy…or always possible.
Whether in art, music, politics, or any other domain, diversity and openness to new ideas can lead to a more vibrant and fulfilling existence.
So next time you're tempted to stick with the same old, same old, (try to) remember: There's a whole world of flavors out there waiting to be tasted.
And don’t forget to dance…thanks for reading!
Clint
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Celebrating “The Male Gayze” by mixing and remixing found footage and photos. If you “color” outside the lines too, welcome to the crew, boo! 🌈✌️
I was pretty good at spending time out of my echo chamber and engaging in constructive dialog until about 10 years ago. That was when a segment of the population at had seemed at most 10% became like 35 almost overnight. What had been productive conversations became invectives that nearly always required someone combination of the following to be true:
- a time machine
- a transporter from the Enterprise
- breaking laws of physics.
It seems to be some combination of Semmelweis Reflex, belief perseverance, 'not from around here', confirmation bias, and......
I. E. "It doesn't fit my narrative so it doesn't exist. "
I eventually became too emotionally exhausted to continue.
Vlad Vexler and Gerdes Explains did collaboration a few weeks ago. Vlad mentioned the difficulty of productive conversations with people who have 'fact allergies'. I've sent a message saying he should devote a whole segment to that.