Thoughts on Left VS Right...

In today's class we discussed the debate of censorship and freedom in television programs as it pertains to the youth of America. As so often is the case with popular issues, the idea of political leaning came into play, with one side of the argument being "left" and the other "right". Toward the end of the discussion, Prof. Leeper attempted to erase (quite literally) the idea from our minds, so that we might be able to look at this issue from a more personal, non-partisan, critically-thinking POV.

Unfortunately, it's not so easy to separate the debate (censorship vs. freedom) from the debacle (conservative vs. liberal). I knew immediately upon the topic being broached where I stood, and it was firmly on the left side of the board.

You see, there is much needed context for the reader to fully understand my perspective on this (as well as most political issues). I grew up in the Midwest and attended a Baptist school for my final three years of high school. By all accounts, I was a rabid conservative; one who believed that Pro-Life simply meant anti-abortion, and that homosexuality was something to be disgusted by, though not a reason to withhold "love" from "the homosexual."

Upon entering college though, there was a RADICAL shift in my views, as the pendulum swung just as equally in the opposite direction.

This is a somewhat typical trajectory for most university students, as once they leave the safety and confines of their upbringing and are introduced to new ideas and ways of thinking, they struggle with where they should fall on the spectrum. Some hold steadfast to their original beliefs, while others drop them faster than you can say, "Oops, sorry about the HUB."

Over the years I have been able to steady the swinging of that pendulum to the point of near rest as I've come to terms (somewhat, but not entirely) with who I am and what I believe. I tend to take a more "centrist" point of view on a number of topics, as I believe there is much more room for love and grace in the middle ground than there is on the fringe of either side.

The point though, is not about political leanings. If you lean "right" or "left", that's fine; but do your best to flesh out entirely why you lean whatever direction you lean, and as an artist, stay true to that leaning. But when you are confronted with another artist who leans differently than you, don't fear him or her. Don't become angry with them. Seek to understand and acknowledge their frame of reference and find the middle ground that we can all occupy together.

As artists, let's not let our fears of rejection and need for validation in our beliefs dictate the work laid out before us, as well as the work of others.

*steps down from pedestal*

Drive...

I just finished the newest Ryan Gosling (henceforth referred to as Baby Goose, look it up) vehicle (pun fully intended) Drive.

If you haven't seen it yet, be warned, it is graphic and vulgar and wonderful.

The dialogue is incredibly minimal, with Baby Goose's character speaking very little. In fact, the script is so minimal that we don't even get a proper name for the lead man; he's just known as Driver.

While some might find the lack of dialogue to be tiresome, I for one didn't. The actors are forced to rely on a completely different set of instruments apart from their voices, and this leads to some very intense, raw moments.

I'm not going to bore you with too many plot details, because it's a pretty straightforward story.

Baby Goose = stunt driver --> bad stuff happens --> Baby Goose takes care of bizness --> and scene

I highly recommend this flick.

Plus, how sweet is that jacket?

Just happy to be here...

I'll be honest, I'm a little intimidated.

Not many things in life intimidate me, but this is one of them. What am I talking about that frightens me so?

This class.

You see, I'm not a DMA major. In fact, I'm a double major in Bible/Religion and Psychology with minors in Youth Ministry and Communications. Being that I'm probably the only non-DMA major, there's obviously going to be a little reticence on my end when it comes to speaking up in class, which is something I've never really experienced before in my life.  I never have a problem talking, debating, and discussing; sometimes to my own detriment.

I love film. I love the medium as an art form and have the utmost respect for those who throw themselves into the craft. I would even say I have a healthy amount of envy for their abilities and opportunities, if there is such a thing. In terms of my vocation, I'm a teacher/preacher at heart; that's my number one gift. I see film as one of the most powerful means to reaching people, and I want to learn how to better utilize and understand it in the context of my own gift. I'm incredibly eager to learn and soak up the knowledge and ideas you all have, and in the midst of that spongey mindset of mine, I'll probably be doing more listening than talking. That doesn't mean I won't be involved in the discussions; quite the opposite. I'll be fully present and prepared to give my view on things as the moment calls for; but for now, I'm just happy to be here.

Thanks for letting me take this journey with all of you, and if it's any encouragement, I think you guys will end up being the primary "preachers and teachers" for our generation. If that scares you, then good! It should. But don't ever let that fear keep any of you from reaching deep within yourselves and attempting to make sense of all that is around us. And of course when things don't make sense, which will be a majority of the time, always be willing to speak the truth as it is, not as we wish it to appear.

P.S. Here's Listener's video for Wooden Heart. If you've never seen it or heard the song, please do so. It's more than worth your time, as you'll be given an incredibly true and authentic experience.

Intro to me...

Due to some technical issues, my introductory post couldn't be displayed until today. So, I give my sincerest apologies to you all for not getting this going.

So, you want to know something about me?  Well, I'm Jared.  I'm 27 years old (it's OK to joke about how old I am, I'm used to it), and I'm just now finishing up college.

I'm not a DMA major, but I am highly interested in the field, so I'm kind of a noob in all of this.

Please be gentle.

What am I a fan of?  All things Apple.