Finding Relevance

Speaking of relevance...

Admittedly, one of the hardest things for one to do in the process of self-assessment (which we all undergo at some time or another, whether intentionally or not) is to determine or, rather, measure, one's relevance: in personal relationships; during uncertain times in the economy, in our positions on the job; for those running businesses, in his or her respective industry; as well as, in life, in general.

Is it our competitive nature? Or competition alone, that makes us force a measure - against some invisible, elusive "standard" - the very worth of who we are at the core of our being? I'm not sure but I would suggest that the minute we start assigning value to perceived "relevance," we close our eyes to opportunity. Opportunity, one could argue, is far more precious a commodity than what proves to be "in" during a particular period. After all, what is "in" at one point in time in history, usually gives way - after a brief run - to what is the "future" of what will be "in."

What spurred this line of conversation? The question of the relevance of poetry. And of literature, written communication about what it means to be Human. And of standing up for something you believe when everyone else around you seems to say you're nuts for continuing to stand. THIS is the question of relevance in its purest form: Do you ever do a thing because it is fashionable (to WHOM??? The general public? WHO IS the "general public?")? Or do you do it because it is relevant to you? For you?

Then the next question is, if, in fact, it is because something is deemed relevant (or, "the point") to you, is it really important enough for you to offer or "try to impose" (as some might view it) that view on others? When contemplating starting this blog, I had to undergo some serious introspection, to understand exactly why I felt so strongly that the world needed to have yet another voice on the web. Do we not have enough media bombarding us 24-7? Aren't there journalists just about for every type of news or information we would care to know about? From tv, to radio, to magazines and newspapers, nearly every sector of anything we could possibly do, it seems, has a scribe, faithfully chronicling the latest news on that subject. And we feed off of it. With this in mind, I had to ask myself the serious question: Why should I do this blog thing? What is it that I hope to gain from doing this? What possible benefit could I derive from blabbing on about random topics to an audience that could very well be, either, virtual strangers (literally), or non-existent?

The answer, it turns out, was one that I found struck at the nerve of my perception of self-worth. I was compelled to do this for all of the times I sat quietly in my seat while a heated debate raged in the classroom, and I knew I had an opinion but I was too timid to say so in public, competing against all of the other voices that may have been louder or more influential than mine. It may sound like a tremendously romantic notion but it really was not. This would be my redemption for not being "shy," as in, afraid to speak in public, but for knowing that my views may not be popularly "spoken aloud" and choosing instead to remain silent. Classic passivity. I knew what I had to say would only fuel the debate, and each time I asked myself would it be worth it, I would counter that question with what would the relevance be of doing so? But, in fact, what made my view any less important to be heard than anyone else's? Absolutely nothing! No less relevant than some of the legislation that gets voted upon on a daily basis by the U.S. Congress (have you listened to some of their legislative proposals lately?)!

So, this is for all of those other "me" individuals out there. My platform is that poetry IS relevant. It's a form of expression that has been underutilized (although those in the rap world have proven the extent of its influence - hands-down - and, arguably, proven the lucrative nature of the written/spoken word, especially when set to beats and rhythms (if that's not poetry, I don't know what else is!) among the youngest of our world citizens. Heck, I've heard a recent NPR report stating that even al-Quaeda uses rap to motivate its proselytes.) And if you agree, fine. And if you don't, fine.

AND, while I'm at it, my platform is that people should do what is necessary to find ways to communicate how they really feel about issues -- even if the most desirable place for them to do so might be in on a blog, in a virtual environment. The point is that in order for there to be REAL conversation going on, there must be an open and honest exchange between individuals, as well as a desire to discover Truths and realities that will help us solve some of the problems that plague our lives. But it starts with open and honest conversation. There is never a time when Communication is ever NOT relevant. It is as essential as the air we breathe...