The Fine Art Blog of Darren Daz Cox

I was reading a forum post about a famous guru who suggested we all became vegetarians and a response that said that peoples such as the Innuit couldn’t just turn vegetarian. Perhaps in this modern world there really is a way for everyone to become a vegan and maybe the world would have a healthier vibe if that occured, but it doesn’t feel right to me.

I’m no expert, but it seems to me that when the Innuit stop hunting and eating meat they would lose a huge part of their culture. I extrapolate that eventually they would simply be different looking ‘normal’ people – and who wants to be differentiated by only how you look?

We know, from years of psychological study, that having a strong cultural identity gives you strength. Strength motivates people to do great things, like persevere when the world presents difficult challenges, like our ancestors did in the last ice age.

I do want the world to spiritually evolve in time for 2012, I really do, but not at the expense of the individual.

"Sometimes the needs of the one outweigh the needs of the many."- James T. Kirk in Star Trek III

 I just don’t trust any leader, especially famous spiritual people who have suggestions for mankind in general to follow.  People can’t possibly know what is right for all of us, no matter how intelligent, enlightened and ‘good’ they may be. I trust that in each of us we have a best path to follow, one that allows us the ultimate expression of ourselves,  and only we know what is the right path.

Sure, your culture doesn’t have to be a traditional one, but having a strong identity is a key to success I believe.

My favorite example of  ‘the needs of the one’ is GG Allin, dead punk rocker anti-star. Chances are if you’ve heard of him it was because of something he said or did (you can watch him on the Jerry Springer show here) rather than his music as he was a larger than life character.

He lived a life that was totally hedonistic and often dangerously sado-masochistic, but he wasn’t afraid of  his fantasies and was happy to indulge those of the people arround him. He chose complete freedom of expression over many chances to ’sell out’ and become marginalized by ‘breaking out’ of the obscure sub-culture he lived in.

He revelled in being hated, loved exposing the weakness of conformists and suffered no fools or fauning fans. GG Allin was simply not afraid to be that person in public that most people only fantasize about in their bedrooms.

To me, his music is great, it will stand as a testament to how far talent can take you when you serve your aesthetics first and have the courage to not cater to the whims of your audience.  GG Allin chose the best path for him, and because he did I find it easier to find my path.

"Your soul should be as strong as possible when it leaves here for whatever comes next." -G. G. Allin

That quote is very important to me, you see GG Allin lived his life like he knew without a single doubt that he had a soul. Because he had no fear of death he lived life to the fullest. Because he never doubted his creative potential he made some mighty fine music.

What about you? Scared that your friends will not like you if you tell them about your twisted little thoughts? Do you temper down your creativity because you are scared that it won’t sell or be accepted? Will the art gallery laugh in your face because you aren’t painting the same old thing you did last time? and Chris Brogan, are you afraid to put your cool artwork on your blog?The White Deer, acylics on canvas-a little tweaked in photoshop!

Originally posted 2008-03-25 11:47:18. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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