Simone

Very soon, life is going to become about thinking on my own and doing on my own rather than learning about what others have thought and done. I’ve been very insecure as of late, not so much about the doing, as I am about the thinking. I don’t think my thoughts are very profound or important. I am a self-declared simpleton.

When I was very young, I saw an interview with Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend. The interviewer asked him a question along the lines of, “What is the worst music in the world?”, to which he responded (and I’m paraphrasing a lot here) “I don’t know if there is any “worst” music. As long as someone appreciates it, I think it has value.” So, from there, I formed most all the opinions I have about art. As long as someone appreciates it, and it serves some purpose for someone, then it can’t really be “bad” or “good.”

The thing is, being critical tricks people into thinking you’re interesting. And that’s exactly what I need to do. Because if people think I’m interesting, they will think my thoughts are profound and important.

For a long time, I was content with my supposed opinionated-ness. But really, the only strong opinions I had and continue to have concern my hatred for celebrities, motivated purely by emotional instinct. I mean, it’s not truly critical to hate Jennifer Lawrence because she reminds you of an annoying girl from sleepaway camp.

One day, I will have strong opinions about culturally important things. I will distinguish artistic value from entertainment quality. I will be able to tell the difference between good and great choreography. I will go to art museums and and not just perform a 45-second gaze because everyone else is. I will read lengthy literature with no plot and be able to discern themes and motifs. I will “get” Shia LaBeouf.

My thoughts will be profound and important. ♦