Distraction

Here's some lyrics/poetry I ran across today that I thought I'd share with you. You've all probably met this person. Maybe you are this person. I know I've been both. For whatever reason, I felt it was appropriate for my here and now.

DISTRACTION
© 2009 Ross Christopher

Don’t you wish you could excuse yourself
But the distraction is too much
Its made you lose sight of your way
And now all you know is the place you’re in

Like a constant reminder of what you’ve forgotten to do
How you’ve stopped living and let go
You’ve been blinded by a false god
That seemed so perfect to take you where you needed to be

And you’re left alone
With a void that burns
And you’re broken down in pieces
Of lessons unlearned

Everyone told you good job
Everyone said you were right
But you’d lied for too long
And they just didn’t want to see you sink anymore

And you’re left alone
With a void that burns
And you’re broken down in pieces
Of lessons unlearned

So what’s next
Where from here
How do you get back
From a lifelong tragedy

And you’re left alone
With a void that burns
And you’re broken down in pieces
Of lessons unlearned

Peace,
Ross

Mark Twain: a precursor to an untrue history

Recently I read that the newest editions of Mark Twain's, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn have been edited. Have you read it? I remember it from 7th or 8th grade. I remember reading it aloud in the classroom, 1 paragraph at a time. I remember cringing when I had to read the N-word aloud too.

Now, kids won't have to cringe anymore.

But, perhaps I learned a dirty (yet true) history of the American past. I didn't become racist from reading the word. If any response and reaction was made, it was a sadness that this was normal speak of the 1800's.

So now we have edited, PC versions of the classics emerging; and even though we may no longer have to cringe and feel uncomfortable as we read these degrading and de-humanizing words and descriptors, we will certainly forget how far we have come, the accomplishments of so many to end this "normalcy."

What are the long term implications - what does this do to art in general?

Will artists now write in such a way that is fearful of future edits?

Will we write more bland, so as to avoid the possibility of differing future opinions?

My 2 cents,
Ross

p.s. i'd love to discuss this...especially from any teachers

New Art Project for the House

Last night I did an art project for the house. Our entry way has been bare since we moved here back in February, and needed some life.

I ran by Home Depot and picked up the supplies. 3 hours later, we have new lively art in the entry way.

(here's some grainy iPhone pics of the project in process...)



Word.

-Ross