We live in a time where we validate our experiences by sharing them - whether it be through unnecessary Snapchat stories, pretentious Instagram posts, filtered Facebook albums, or text messages. Whenever something interests or engages me, my first instinct is to grab my phone and record it, so that I can later have the option of reliving the moment and the experience. I communicate with people through the songs I listen to on Spotify, and I admit to having spent numerous nights alone with a search engine. Yet, I don’t see any reason to be ashamed of it.
Though critics of our generation may say that what we choose to concern ourselves with is shallow, I think that there’s definitely a degree of beauty and importance that comes along with what we do. A snapchat from someone can give you a level of insight into his or her life that you otherwise would never have had. The music we listen to and the things we post are often projections of our personalities. It gives us a chance to express ourselves and ideals in exactly the way we wish, even if it’s through an alternative interface of communication. That being said, I think we just have to ask ourselves if the content we’re actively consuming is authentic. Is what we’re listening to or viewing expressing a true emotion or thought? If the answer is yes, then there’s no reason to not give it the attention it deserves.
One of the characters in the movie The Devil Wears Prada says something that I think really sums this all up. When talking about the far-reaching and worthwhile impact of the fashion industry, he explains, “Halston, Lagerfeld, de la Renta. What they did, what they created was greater than art because you live your life in it... This is not just a magazine. This is a shining beacon of hope for... oh, I don't know... let's say a young boy growing up in Rhode Island with six brothers pretending to go to soccer practice when he was really going to sewing class and reading Runway under the covers at night with a flashlight.” So many pursuits are disregarded or deemed frivolous when they actually have the power to produce such strong effects on the people who find something of worth in them. There's a stigma surrounding musicians that suggests they don't contribute anything of practical value to society. However, just because they’re not working to cure cancer doesn’t necessarily mean that what they do lacks significance. Concerts have truly been religious experiences for me, and three minute songs have dramatically transformed my outlooks.
For instance, take The 1975’s brilliantly titled album I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it. Everything from the ridiculous title to the order of the songs, the transitions between them, the genius way the lyrics are written from a conversational-perspective, the juxtaposition of colors and shapes found on stage, and the way the singers voice breaks at the end of a song signifies something pretty potent if you look closely enough. They managed to create an album that represents our generation, while also not necessarily doing it for the benefit of others - but for themselves. The music comes from such a wide range of inspiration, but also manages to be something entirely unique. Their finished product represents a pure understanding of the human condition, and that’s really something that is so special.
What I’m trying to say is that our baselines of what qualifies as superficial, irrelevant, and unproductive might need to be shifted a little. There are so many ways to genuinely take advantage of all of the small moments and delicate interactions with people and things that we have on a daily basis; you can be consistently replenished with so many new concepts and emotions. Sitting around in your dorm room on a cozy Sunday night and simply talking to some friends can lead to a complete change of heart and alter the thoughts you have before you fall asleep. A hug can provide you with the exact amount of comfort you didn’t know you were looking for, and “a cup of coffee won’t solve your problems, but it’s nice to have anyway.” Choosing to take that video can give you a lovely memory to physically look back on someday when you need it.
