It's All About the Magic

[NanceGreggs]

Once in a great while, I am reminded of the magic – the magic that exists within us all, that life-force that sometimes – albeit shyly, and humbly – picks up the bat, steps up to the plate, and knocks the ball out of the park, not because it needed to or wanted to, but because it was destined to do so all along.

A woman named Susan Boyle – who some would describe (and dismiss) as a frumpy, unattractive-but-endearingly-ditzy, not-ready-for-prime-time player, dominated YouTube this week with a clip of her incredible performance on “Britain’s Got Talent”.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Many will dismiss this post as sentimental clap-trap – and there was a time when I would have been first among their ranks.

But there is something of the spirit of things here – something that speaks of the hope of at last being recognized for what one has to offer, and the change that takes place within our hearts and minds when we ignore the stereotype and welcome the voice of a fellow world citizen – a voice that thrills us with its clarity and beauty.

We, as human beings, are capable of war, destruction, torture, the starvation of children, the ability to turn a blind eye to the suffering of millions while decrying the inconvenience of the few.

And yet we have, in the midst of the din of chaos, created this nonsensical thing called music – and have, perhaps inadvertently and sometimes reluctantly, come to appreciate its ability to bring us together.

Perhaps there is hope for us yet.

I think so.

I hope so.

Okay – I know so.

Ever the optimist.

--- Nance



(A special shout-out to fellow DUer, RonnyKMarshall, for turning me on to all of this – and then some.)

[ccharles000]

1. k/r

[Richard Steele]

2. Same here, ccharles. nm

[napoleon_in_rags]

3. I agree, I also think that's really powerful.

What she says to me about getting past wrappers and superficiality, to depth. I think the audience went wild because the music industry has been selling sex and stereotypes for so long, that it was literally shocking to see them torn apart: Beauty of voice has been a secondary attribute to looking like a porn star, and anybody looking like her was expected to be a comedic character, who would sing accordingly.

Getting past wrappers to the true depths is something I think we are all craving right now. We live in the age of manipulation. Manipulation through ads, manipulation in the news to create manipulations in markets and the political landscape, etc. At some point you cross this line and start really yearning for the truth, something deeper than the appearances. I think that's why I adored that so much.

[Turborama]

4. K&R for eloquently put sentiments I whoelheartedly agree with

Who cares if anyone calls it 'sentimental clap-trap'?

I've been accused of being too sensitive, my response is always that I'd rather be too sensitive than even a tiny fraction insensitive.

& R

[SeattleGirl]

5. I have always felt that the true beauty of a person lies in what is inside

them.

Yes, I make a snap judgment about a person's looks when I first see them (and I'll bet a lot of other people do, too, even lefties).

But what matters more to me is what's inside them.

Susan Boyle is one of the most beautiful people I've ever seen.

The gift of her voice is indeed amazing.

[Prophet 451]

6. She's everywhere here

It's a failing of the British media that when someone endearing like this turns up, we get spammed with updates of her every movement for months (ala Jade Goody).

Still, she has an incredible voice.

[sellitman]

7. Nance: Google "Paul Potts"

Same Bat Time

Same Bat Channel.

Regards,

Kevin

[zeemike]

8. That is where the good in humanity comes oozing out

Through art, music and literature.
And that is also why most authoritarians have little talent in those areas.

[ronnykmarshall]

9. I'm so glad to have posted that video.

I love the responce for everyone!

[Wednesdays]

10. She also is a complete contrast to the Raygun-Bush-Bush era

When people idolized celebrities long on looks and quite short on talent...and usually short on brains, for that matter.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

11. My dear Nance ...

I'm so glad I glanced in your Journal...

I would never have seen this thread if I hadn't. And how I agree with your sentiments. She has an amazing voice, the kind of voice that transports us to places in our hearts that we had never seen, much less been to...




K&R