With everything that is taking over the world today- fear, poor economies, wars, more- it is important to have a place where we can all connect and feel that we are brothers and sisters once again. It was not long ago that everyone was able to get along and mingle without having to worry about how people viewed each other based on who we talked to, how we dressed, and what we “really meant” when we talked. We need to get back to that peace of mind where each person can be his or her own person, without having to worry about being politically correct. This is not saying that certain rules need be forgotten, as there are some that make life better for everyone, but maybe ease up on some of the unwritten rules that bind people so tightly that everyone starts acting and looking the same.
Much of the tension in the world today is caused by stereotypes. We all like to think that we do not fall victim to them, but in a way, even subconsciously, we do. There has to be a place where we can stop thinking about everything we do and say and just let loose for a little bit. There is- and it is the collective dance floor that we all shake it on. Whether it is in a club, a bar, at a wedding, or maybe just at work (yes, I dance at work), the dance floor is one place that we can let it all hang out and be ourselves.
Sure, there may be some people that judge how people dance, but for the most part- at least for me- I could really care less about what they think about my dance skills. I start to boogie because the song that came on is making me feel good and I want to have a little fun, so what if someone thinks I look a little goofy doing it? Dancing is not to make other people jealous, or to impress someone (ok, maybe sometimes it is to impress, in that case do the dice throw), it is to feel good about being you and letting loose. If we can all accept this fact, then the world may be a better place. I know that may sound a little cliché or optimistic, but it is true.
Music can make anyone feel good at one time or another and if you are really “feeling” the music (which is mostly controlled by the music and not the lyrics), ten you are going to start moving and grooving- at least a little bit. By this time you are feeling the rhythm and having a good old time, and it is not until later that you may realize that the song you are dancing to is an unfamiliar one, a different band, a different genre, a different language. Music can be such an amazing tool in bringing together friends and strangers and putting differences aside. The only this that we need to remember is to enjoy the song and try not to step on anyone’s toes. For example, this song really makes me like to shake my head and lightens my mood no matter how bad I am feeling at the moment; now just imagine a crowd of people feeling good and dancing. At that point it becomes difficult to remember why we fight...
It is true what you said, I also mainly just dance to the beat of the music and do not listen much to the lyrics. Oh gosh, I could just imagine if I was paying attention to the lyrics, I would be all over the dance floor and stepping on people’s toes! I really can’t multi-task like that. But when it comes to dancing, man I do not care who I am dancing with as long as we can boogie together. Yes, there is too much stereotyping in today’s society, but we have come a long way so far from how it was in the 50s you know? I was watching Hairspray the other day, and to me, that’s a cool and awesome musical. I enjoy watching musicals. I don’t know if you have seen the movie Hairspray, but there is a part were the Caucasians wouldn’t let the African Americans go into the dance studio or on the dance floor at the same time as them. There was no segregation at that time, and of course people got angry and fights would break out. But anyway, my point is that because times are changing, and we have people that embrace change, we as Americans have come a long way.
ReplyDeleteTrue to what you say, there is a need for something to unify the people as a whole in this world of growing violence. I also believe that music is the key to this effect, very much like Beatrice Aaronson (in Music and Culture) had said about funk, techno, trance, and rave music- although the unifying power Is not limited to these genres, the connection can be seen strongly at these particular dance floors. Concerts are another place where the environment is changed from masses of individualistic egos into a single unit with only one interest. Concert attendees really can get so into it, their former ideas of racial discrimination and thoughts of self-interest can temporarily be held back for the duration of the concert. The atmosphere changes as well, in order to allow the transformation of the mind.
ReplyDeleteDance is a great way to express oneself and shows to others more than one could think of. Dancing in general is always held as a form of interpretation, and this is true even today. Little spurts of the need to dance really shows your character to people around you. Keep up the good work on your blog!
I agree with you in the scene that the world has become just one big politically correct place. If a person does something unintentionional these days they are flagged as a racist or looked down upon. Maybe if people did just loosen up for one moment they would see that we all have to work together to get out of this current crisis we are all living in and not judge one another based upon race, gender or credo. I liked how you said that dancing is just something you do to feel good. But I think you went over the top with the dice throwing hah hah just kidding. People are to stuck on what type of music is on and don’t just listen to the actual music . People are to hung up on who the artist is and if it isn’t Rhianna or whoever is popular at that certain time then that music isn’t good enough. People need to relax just a little bit and enjoy life and enjoy people around them. I was recently in Hawaii for my honeymoon and the people over there were so nice and laid back. I wish it was like that in my own hometown. But its not everyone is stuck up and only worried about flipping you off if you don’t leave the intersection as soon as the light turns green.
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