Passion can take you from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. Almost everyone has at least one this that fills the heart, the mind, and the soul with a drive so profound that it seems to become overwhelming. While some would argue that music has taken on a front seat in the minds of young people, “it is their passion, nothing else excites them as it does; they cannot take seriously anything alien to music” (Bloom paragraph 1), I find it hard to believe that nothing else can fuel a passion in the younger crowd. My opinion may be slightly biased due to the fact that I am a musician (guitarist), but I still hear and see many other activities take someone’s dull expression and twist it into a beaming smile with a special twinkle in the eyes.
Working at an autoparts store, I am able to see a love for anything automotive shine through coworkers’ eyes when they talk about cars they hold near and dear to their hearts. Whether it is Cardell’s 1974 For Maverick that just sounds like a hot rod coming around the corner, or Pedro’s Mitsubishi that makes way more horsepower than it needs, these two men are prime examples of passion for something that is not music. If you hear were to talk to Cardell about the Maverick named “Patches,” you would see the same shimmer in his smile as you would if you were talking to me about Senses Fail of Avenged Sevenfold, there is just something about that car that makes him all giddy with joy. At one point, even I had a strong passion for cars in the same way, I have dreamt of building the perfect rat rod- flat black with some rust coming through, exposed motor, 1930’s style coupe with the top chopped off. I began working in auto parts to fuel this passion and build that perfect car. Then, something else took over, success.
I realize that everyone wants to be successful at what they do, but I strive to be the absolute best in my field. We place bets at work to see who can earn better customer feedback, who can sell the most of a certain product, etc. I got my first taste of success when I was promoted from part-time to full-time, then Shift Manager, now I am shooting for Assistant Store Manager. After that, who knows? The only thing I am sure of is that I will never be satisfied with mediocre, I do not want to just meet expectations- I want to blow them away.
I can see where Bloom can get the notion that music has taken over though. In my personal life (not business Mike), I am always listening to music. I listen while I drive, while I exercise, on the job, at the house, even right now as I write this blog (check out the band Alexisonfire). While some of the time music can be nothing more than background noise to break the silence, I do have a tendency to focus more on the sound coming out of the speakers than the book I need to read, so in those instances I try to listen to instrumental music, that way I can’t sing along with the lyrics (I just start making up my own).
You’ve given a strong opposition towards Allan Bloom’s statement, despite being a musician, and I found that very unique. I’m not particularly proficient at playing the piano, but as I continue learning, I understand more and more of this passion that Bloom speaks about. Of course, there’s always the chance that it is one of my interests, much like automobiles for the two co-workers of yours.
ReplyDeleteI thought the example regarding your co-workers was excellent, because it showed deeper opposition toward Bloom. But then, you converted what was once passion into success. Do you believe that passion turns into an attempt for success? I can understand how it would be possible, but to be passionate and to become successful can be extremely different as well as extremely similar standpoints. You can often find stories of passionate young men who want to get rich, fight for their country, obtain glory, etc. However, these individuals or groups are not always successful. It’s just a little curiosity on my end as well as food for thought for you.
I’m just like you too, on the whole focusing thing. If I have music with lyrics on (which isn’t often in most cases), I get extremely distracted by it and can’t focus on anything, especially school work.
Keep up the good work!
Having read your blogs in the past and knowing that you are a musician, I looked up your blog specifically to see what you would say regarding music being a passion. I thought perhaps your biased opinion would show through, but I was surprised! I would definitely agree that while music can be a passion to some (like you), it is not the passion of all youth. I enjoy my fair share of music (listening and playing) and it is something that makes me smile or turns my day around, but it is not a passion. It is simply an enjoyment. Even though I play an instrument, I can't tell you all of the different keys shown on the staff. I can read music, but whether the song is in F major or B major is a mystery to me. I am not even entirely sure if there is a B major...it's actually a little embarrassing!
ReplyDeleteIf music were a true passion of mine, I would probably have a craving to know everything about everything in relation to music. Obviously I do not. It is simply a tool to unwind.
Michael, your blog is fantastic...so well written and descriptive of other's passions in life. It was wonderful to hear your passion to succeed in life, which definitely again disproves Mr. Bloom's theory. It sounds as if his theories discounting young people and their passions in life were as disturbing to you as they were to me.
ReplyDeleteThe writing and descriptive phrases in your blog are very imaginative and engaging. I’ve also seen a favorite song light up someone eyes and bring a big smile to their face. And your description of your co-workers love for their cars is delightful. When thinking about the passions I’ve observed in my kids and other young people, I didn’t even think about guys and their cars. How true! Some young men live for their cars and work so hard for them and on them.
Being that you’re a musician, it was interesting to hear your viewpoint on Mr. Bloom’s philosophy about music and young people. Your statement about music sometimes being just background noise is probably true for more of us than we’d care to admit. When I’m doing homework or trying to read, I find that it’s easier to listen to instrumental music also, so I’m not tempted to sing along!