Express Yourself

The “Express Yourself” video by Madonna was inspired by the classic 1927 film, “Metropolis”. I just learned this this morning, as I was searching a quote from the movie. I watched the re-release (1984) of the film last night, composed by Giorgio Modorer, which had 80’s inspired music, including famous 80’s pop and rock stars. In the film, there was a line that Maria said that struck a chord in me. In the film, Maria’s likeness is cloned and transformed into a robot. It’s beautiful. I recommend you watch the 80’s re-release on Netflix tonight. And as beautiful it is without, I also suggest smoking some pot or eating some shrooms. The film is obviously shot with impeccable choreography, and I felt like I was watching the opening performance on “So You Think You Can Dance” throughout the entire film.

“Without the heart, there would be no understanding between the hand and the mind.” – Maria (Metropolis)

The right to marry vs. the duty to marry. I’m listening to a radio talk show and they are discussing our gay community and our marriages, and if we feel it is our right to do so or our duty. And taking that into consideration, are we getting married sooner than we would, had it been legal all along? Personally, I never wanted to get married until I was in my 30’s anyway, although some people have always wanted to be married in their 20’s. Just because it was out of sight for us growing up gay, it certainly wasn’t out of mind, so therefore we never lost sight. It is not my duty to get married, but I now have the right to get married. Do I consider myself less of a person because I am gay? No. Have I ever? No, I can't say that I felt less of a person, though some may have tried to make me feel that way. Has my community as a whole felt this way? Yes. But I’d like to think that we don't carry that around, yet still be aware of the civil war against us. Being the victim does not motivate compassion and change, only sympathy and misery. Connecting with others is what sparks compassion. Finding a common ground helps discover the compassion we are capable of having. And as crazy as it is, our differences could be the common ground to help understand others. Sympathy helps someone feel not alone. If someone is feeling sad for the situation and me, then it’s okay for me to feel sad or sorry, and that feels good. Though I would prefer for sympathy to just be a guest star in my life, one that is only around for story sake, but quickly is out shined by empathy to be out shined by confidence. Empathy helps connect me to the root of the problem and begins the healing process and the problem solving. If we all live with sympathy for each other, then none of us will ever step up and fix our life. We have to empathize to move forward with our differences. If I hear another “I’m so sorry”, I would like it to be followed with a discussion to actually help you understand why I may be sad, and then we can get to the root to rebuild me. And of course, vice versa. I won’t feel sorry for you just to match your feelings, and be in misery with you. I will tell you that I’m sorry you are struggling, but what is it that is making it a struggle? I want to change your perspective from struggle to a challenge to a journey of adventure. I will begin to understand you once you begin to understand yourself.

Intimidation is also constantly misunderstood. To intimidate someone is to intentionally make someone afraid or fearful or timid. Often we use the phrase “He intimidates me” rather than “I am intimidated by him”. The difference is simply that in the first phrase, we are blaming this guy for intimidating us, when in reality we have no idea what his intentions are. We should be using the second phrase, because that is when we empower ourselves. If I use the second phrase, then I recognize that I am the one who is intimidated, and I can change that. I now have control. Even if his intentions are to intimidate me, I won’t allow it. Now, I must re-iterate empathy and maintain compassion here, and not turn into one who intimidates. The last thing I want is to have an ongoing intimidating, silent, back and forth battle. Then we end up never speaking to each other, or perhaps we end up fucking, and never speak to each other again. I simply won’t be intimidated, nor will I be intimidated into bed, I’d rather encourage that notion.

The "Express Yourself" video was directed by David Fincher.