Diving In

Hi all,

Winter is in full abound for some of you; for where I come from, a snowflake will cause mass hysteria, if one even shows up this year. Anyhow, I decided to write tonight about what I've been feeling inside my heart -- besides all that gushy blood.

This past Thursday was Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. I did not hear one article or mention about this until the next day, and this bugs me. Every single time I turn on the TV, media is flashing everywhere: tickers advertising gruesome murders or commercials blaring randomness. I checked many news outlets, and for whatever reason, I couldn't find one mention of his actual birthday. I'm hoping it won't be like this on Monday, when we actually celebrate MLK's legacy, because this guy is an American hero.

I watched a video this afternoon from the lovely Ms. Jessica Chastain as she was handed the Critics' Choice MVP Award, and I have to say I really liked her acceptance speech. I'll upload a link of her video, which promoted future diversity in film. It got me thinking: When do I ever see Asians onscreen? When do I ever see African Americans onscreen in major roles (save Will Smith or Madea)? Or Hispanics? What about the future of women in the film industry? Emily Blunt made this point in her acceptance speech for Best Action Actress at the same awards show. Enough with the damsel in distress, let's see the heroine (not her actual words, but a paraphrase).

What I've been thinking is this: Is it not cool enough for a lady to be portrayed as a "damsel in distress" in today's world? With this push for political correctness, I've noticed the trend for people to say things and then be almost persecuted for it. So I will say I understand Emily Blunt's point absolutely; I love a great woman figure in movies. I don't always enjoy the damsel in distress character in any story. But I think we are forgetting that big, massive quote that everyone always says: It's okay to be who you are.

It is okay for a woman to be portrayed onscreen as needing a male to help her out in certain things; men and women are different, we all know that. I wish film, novels, etc. would own up to this: There are certain things women can't do, and there are certain things guys can't do. Example: Women can't destroy an army of men by themselves, and men can't have babies vaginally. I mean, duh, right? Well, where's the balance in all of this?

I want to go to see a flick in which truth is evident. I want to see a heroine onscreen who doesn't make me cringe. I don't want to see a male hero defeat a group of armed men who are trained-but-terrible-shots either. There is a big line between reality and fiction. The reality is that we are all different individuals, and I crave learning about other people. I want to see others pour out their hearts, from all backgrounds and feelings, so I can improve my own life.

Experience is critical. As an American I know that I tend to be selfish and forget the troubles of the world. When I do see different ethnic backgrounds in people, I freak out and think, "I want to hear him or her talk! I want to hear his or her story! Ooh, I want to touch that hair!"

I believe that God created us all different and equal. We're all flawed individuals, and it is important we embrace others. It makes me sad to think that just a few decades ago, race issues were insane in the South and elsewhere. But it is so obvious, there are problems today just as flammable. And while I desire peace, while I desire reality, I know that none of it is possible unless we band together and accept each other. None of this can happen without God's influence. 

Peace. We crave it, but deep down, I think we all know it is truly impossible. We are too dark inside, too messed up. But that doesn't mean we can't try. We are improving steadily; look at the past history of slavery in the world. Look at past emperors. I have much to be thankful for, and I am looking forward to all of the people out there whom I will meet and know in the future. Just think, there are souls out there you will see and touch and listen to in the future. How will you respond? Treat everyone with kindness. A smile is a thousand rays brighter than indifference. Speak up, if you want, or write; do whatever makes you happy, make a difference in someone's life. Society says this a lot: Make a difference. But it really doesn't matter if that difference changes one person's attitude or a million. Do it for you, too. Do it for the glory of God. Be you. Be unique. And don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

:) (Link to Jessica Chastain's acceptance speech).