Friday, September 04, 2009

"Fried Fridays: Political Awareness"

We are a Society that loves to use buzzwords and lexiconic spin to put forth ideas to the masses. Dare we think for a minute to let individuals decide for themselves, for we know that if given the right carrot, many will will follow it like Pavlov's dogs.

Which really has not a lot of relevance with where I'm going...except to say certain groups want us to perceive things a certain way, even if there are actual situations that would warrant a different perception IF the truth were let out of the bag. And their job is to control what flows into and out of that bag.


So what is Truth? Who knows...and in some cases, who really cares...


DATELINE: ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA


The now-mythical street corner newspaper boy cries the tale...

"EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!

RESPECTED PROFESSIONALS DECREE WORTHINESS!"


Call this 'sour grapes' with a twist, if you wish. That's kinda what it is, but there is more to the story, as Paul Harvey quipped daily.


Their words to me: you did not qualify for membership.

My words from them: your flutes sucked, but we refuse to tell you why.


Hey, it comes with the bathwater when you ask others to judge you. I've been in acting professionally since 1991, and rejection comes with the territory. Regularly. And so I submitted my 5 show flutes to get into the Southern Highland Craft Guild (per earlier blog entries) and I was just denied membership. Given their scoring system of 1 to 5, with 5 being highest, and 3 a non-existant choice, I am led to calculate at least 5 of the 7 'reknowned judges' rated me, at best, a 2.

Knowing the other 2 flute makers in the 1,000-member Guild, their decision borders the absurd...I have almost no doubt there is a strong political play, too, whatever bent it may take...but it could never be proven, and they've made sure of that.

As a side note, I'm someone who doesn't always need an answer to everything; I'm quite comfortable with having no answer, ever, and I have that sneaking suspicion such a mindset will come in handy at this time! :-)


Thankfully I don't define Who I Am by someone else's definition. Sure, there would have been some perks, so I now get by without them, no problem. It just leaves me with a million questions and not one answer. Nor will I get any...they have made it clear they will not answer one phone call or give one critique. But I'm free to pass stage 1 and resubmit pieces for the next judging event...hmmmm, let's see, get no guidance and submit your stuff again...

Reminds me of the classic definition of 'insanity':
"Doing things the same way each time
but expecting a different result."


Kenny Rogers' song "The Gambler" puts it best:
"Know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em."


I promised you an update, and I fold. There is no pity party to be had. I simply point my ship in another direction and sail ahead. You just wish people could take the time to offer advice so that we as a whole can grow and enlarge...but there are those who choose not to.
I can't even begin to imagine what their advice would be, either.

And so I have a huge arts and craft show before me in Maggie Valley this weekend. I'm pretty sure it will be a great weekend, and I've got lots of new 'kids' ready to sing to the world. That's what it's all about, anyway, spreading good stuff out into the world. Aho!


TGIF! Don't let the turkeys get you down!



5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am shocked -- SHOCKED -- as I said I would be if the Guild didn't take you. And what a weird letter! Geez.

Onward and upward, Bobaloo. Hope to see you at the M.V. show if things here allow a trip.

Rita

Bob Child said...

Yeah, go figure. Hope to see y'all - the weather should be fantastic!

John said...

WTF mate? I've seen some of the crap the guild members put out. Whatever, you don't need them to know that you're great at what you do-- so more power to them.

Anonymous said...

Bob - I've been to the Asheville craft center many times especially when #1 son was in school there and finally decided that it was not worth the effort since what we saw there, for the most part, did not show a high degree of either skill or originality. I'm sorry they didn't see your art for what it is, but I am afraid that you are correct in your statement that is is politics. You are not the sort to "suck up" to anyone.
Onward and upward! Abigail

Bob Child said...

Funny how things can hang over you like a cloud, as much as I'd like to shrug it off. My sister spoke words much like yours...went to the convention center shows and said it wasn't worth it. Enjoy the WFS fall!