We want to fit in. We want to be accepted and that means not veering too far from what is "normal" or "acceptable." Anyone who eschews (good old King James word) fashion and pop culture is considered weird and even worse, inferior.
When we see someone truly unique, we tend to question their sanity, their appropriateness, their intelligence.
Maybe I'm wrong to say "we." Maybe it's just me. I am confessing right here that I judge people based on their appearance far more than I would like to. I don't want to think of myself as that shallow, but I am. God help me. (And He will.)
So when this plain, unfashionable woman stepped on the stage of Britain's Got Talent, I thought similar thoughts as the audience and the judges. I felt bad for her. I was afraid that she would get up there and make a fool of herself. She would be humiliated. I didn't really consider that she might be truly gifted.
Something has happened in our culture. Many famous singers of days gone by weren't particularly good looking. But when I think of current stars, it seems that is a crucial part of the package. They must fit in. Or if they don't, they must look so good as too make the rest of us feel inferior.
Some of you watched the video from my last post. If you haven't seen it, watch it now.
This woman is unique. She is who she is and doesn't seem to care what others think. She doesn't fit in. A woman who has dedicated her life to caring for her mother, she hasn't had time to follow fashions or cultural trends. She's been too busy pouring out her life for another.
Finally, the time came. She rousted up the courage to face Simon and Piers together, (have mercy) and reach for her star. And I wept. I wept because I am a snob and unworthy. I wept because this woman has what I don't. She has courage.
This woman opened her mouth and was transformed into beauty.
Now everyone is talking about her. Everyone is her fan. She fits in.
But what if she didn't have talent? What if she got up there and squawked Where would she fit then?
I didn't even watch the video when I first saw it because I thought they were poking fun at her... to see and hear her the first (and 2nd and 3rd) time, I cried like a baby. Her voice is soothing, mellow, inspiring. Her spunk, courage, and confidence were amazing.
ReplyDeleteYou have written my thoughts exactly. It breaks my heart what a big deal everyone is making about what a shock it is. A couple of years ago the cell phone guy who sang opera won Britain's Got Talent in a similar situation.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I'm guilty as well.
Man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart. (I Samuel 16:7)
Love, love, love this woman. And that was before she opened her mouth. I wouldn't have thought she could sing, based on her appearance, which is bad, I know, but I did think she was cute and spunky. But then, when she sang, Oh boy! I wanted to cry.
ReplyDeleteI still haven't been able to get it to play for me. But I did catch her a little bit on the news. I LOVE it when regular people shock all of us snobs. I enjoy being reminded to be humble (like I can do anything blarg)
ReplyDeleteHer clip has had over 4 million hits. She is now a mega star. And, she is beautiful because her personality and her dedication to her mom.
ReplyDeleteI've seen her video 6 times and now want to see the play all because of her. Her voice is more than talented, it is an instrument. Last time I checked, she had 6 figures of fans on Facebook.
Her story tells me, never give up. I believe God has given her a chance to shine and she is shining.
Thanks, Jan, for calling my attention to this post via Facebook.Kay,
ReplyDeleteYou seem to have cut right to the core on this matter. Thank you for your keen observations. When my wife first saw this, she was, like others, skeptical, thinking it was but one more round of poking fun at a mis-fit. After she viewed the video she was wiping tears from her eyes. Whether she fits in or not, Susan Boyle truly is a beautiful person. I'm glad millions are noticing it!
-bill @ spiritual oasis
I tend to automatically want to protect people who don't seem to fit into society. I just pray she can handle all the attention and that some dishonest person does not become her manager, or whatever. She may not be as gullible as we think, however. Love her, love her.
ReplyDeleteA similar thing has always bothered me about American Idol. If the person can sing, the judges are ready to heap upon them admiration and love. If they can't sing, it's get out unless they have proven they are a great person which is hard to do in 1 minute.
ReplyDeleteIt is strange that we have conditional admiration based on natural born talent. What a wierd criteria.
Thanks for your honesty, Kay. I know you're not alone.