Hi folks, for Tuesday, please read:
- Part III – “The Experiential Life” and “The Big Morph (a Rant)” from The Rise of the Creative Class and come in with an idea of what you think you’ll pursue for the creative community project at the end of semester (only 3 1/2 weeks away!), so we can discuss!
For Thursday, June 25th: NO CLASS! (See next blog post Week # 5 for updated reading assignments)
Be sure to post your blog response to this week’s assignments by Friday (midnight – or at least in time for early morning coffee and grading by Saturday).
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During this week’s reading assignments, the topic of body as an art within The Rise of the Creative Class proved to be most interesting to me. In more recent years, the body has become a center of self expression. As we all know, we as individuals use our bodies as a platform for placing objects such as clothes, jewelry and other accessories to express ourselves. However, there is a new revolution of expression which includes the actual physical bodies. Florida mentioned how many of today’s members within the creative class are dedicating themselves to staying fit; especially performing artists. It was stated that if Bob Dylan came along in today’s music scene, his agent would send him to the gym before entering fame. This new obsession of sculpting the body is due to an overwhelming awareness about one’s health. Even those who don’t spend their time working out and eating right are fairly knowledgeable about how to do both correctly. This knowledge of health is evident every time one engages in a magazine, web page or television program. I consider myself very much apart of this revolution of fitness. Though I should mention that I have played sports at a high level until my back surgery, this sense of health has been instilled into me since a very young age. My only years of being inactive physically was the year and a half after my first semester of college. However, I still keep a constantly active lifestyle. I believe this is due to our generation participating in multiple sports. This is another example of today’s creative class member being a multi-tasker. All throughout childhood, I played 3 different sports; baseball, basketball and football. It seems that the parents of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s felt that it was important for their children to have a healthy lifestyle, but on one hand, this argument is not sound due to the recent increase in childhood obesity rates and other similar examples.
Obviously, we can contribute the new wave of health to the evolution within science that has helped us as humans understand the ins and outs of what should be considered healthy. In the past, we have seen that smoking used to be considered something that can have a positive effect on your health. Again, we know today that is far from the truth. I could see how people in the past couple of decades could feel cheated about what they were told was healthy. Even in recent years, stimulants such as coffee were considered incredibly bad for one’s health, but in the most recent studies, it seems that coffee has many health benefits that could be vital, depending on one’s lifestyle. Another reason for health being what it is today is because of the creative class always being on the dating market.
Though at first glance, it seems narcissistic, there is a good reason for why people sculpt their bodies to look a certain way. I see this as a marketing scheme of some sort. The demand of attraction is through certain body types; physical appearance is also important within other species’ mating rituals. I have heard in multiple television programs that there is a statistic that claims that the more so called “attractive people” have an advantage of receiving a job over others. Though I don’t know that this is true or not, I can unfortunately see in today’s narcissistic pop culture this does prove to be somewhat true. I am comfortable saying that the common person does not feel adequate within their own skin.
We see this with the ever growing success of plastic surgery. Nonetheless, the bottom line of Florida’s claim was today’s bohemians like past bohemians are extremely aware of their outer appearance. The difference is that today’s bohemians are more aware of what’s under the clothes than the clothes themselves. Florida stated that today’s fashion reveals more of the body than ever before; yeah, I think we all have seen this transformation. The most intriguing thing within this section of body as an art was the Men’s Fitness stats about the fittest cities in America. For the most part, cities that I consider most bohemian-rich cities were the fittest. Places such as San Diego, Seattle, San Francisco and D.C. were all the fittest cities. The reason I considered this as the most interesting thing I have read in this week’s assignments is because the revolution of fitness is a newer byproduct of the creative movements. I am going to be watching this for years to come to see if health/fitness becomes a common household lifestyle or just another fad.
Out of these weeks reading I think the most valid one is that experience is necessary for creativity. In the beginning of the semester we have talked about the role of knowledge to creativity. In order to create one needs to have the knowledge in the area in witch he wishes to create something new. Experience goes hand in hand with knowledge – Experience is knowledge. When an artist creates it never works out just right the first time around, this can be true about any form of creativity. Experience can be told as another thing as well, error and correction. A scientist in a lab goes through many experiments before one can reach his goal in the experiment – experience Many of the creative people would agree that without experience there is no creativity or creation, sure one can stable upon a creative idea, however the truly creative are these who keep working and experience in there area of expertise indefinite.
I must say that I also agree with one of the articles we had to read, not the BBC one. During a long day of work it is imported to zone out for a bit. People have always liked to zone out from their life for a bit, weather it is once a day, week, month ext., alcohol being the most popular zone out substance. I can agree that spending some time on Facebook in a large scale can be unproductive and expensive to large corporation However, in our day and age where are products are by our mind we have to give our mind some rest so it can be more productivity Today in large corporations it is known that some physical activity, free time and health habits can produce more productivity workers, even if it cuts there work hours a little short and spends some money in the process, you have to spend money to make money.
Chapter ten was definitely an easy read compared to chapter eleven, in my opinion. I enjoyed reading about the experiential life because the ideas and concepts discussed were so relatable and easily seen in today’s society. Of course, I did not live fifty years ago to experience the change firsthand but according to the book the differences are evident. I am definitely part of the creative class and new age being that I get satisfaction from a variety of things that were mentioned in the chapter. Instead of staring at a TV for hours each day as my leisure time, I take great pleasure in doing activities that require some sort of interaction whether it being a mental challenge or physical activity. I agree completely with the chapter in the sense that people today find happiness in accomplishments and that life is better when things are done in a hands-on approach. However, even though this makes sense I still have to consider all of the other issues that are talked about as problems that completely contrast this chapter’s purpose. For example, obesity in America is a problem more than ever. People do not get enough exercise and have poor eating habits. Children are playing video games instead of playing outside during their free time. And as we mentioned in class, how can living vicariously though other people on reality TV shows possibly be part of an experiential lifestyle? The chapter made complete sense when I put it in perspective towards my own interests and compared it with one of the foundations New Century College was established on. It just gets a little confusing and questionable when I look at the larger picture. As far as chapter eleven, it was also an easy read minus the eight page long explanation of clashes and convergences between the bohemians, bourgeoisies, Protestants and others over time. What I did enjoy reading about in the chapter was the introduction. Here Florida gave great insight to his experience with the no collar work place as he attended a much laid back convention among sophisticated people. The examples he gave about the whiffle balls, dress code, and the band playing tied in great with the end of the chapter which discussed silicon valley. Apparently, I have been living under a rock because I did not even know Silicon Valley existed. Actually, when it was mentioned in a previous chapter without explanation I though it was a place where there were many plastic producing factories. Therefore it was nice to read about this place in California that produces all of the high tech gadgets that have changed our life entirely. All in all, I enjoyed the chapters even though they left me with some questions like the ones I mentioned above.
In today’s society people are more addicted to material things such as having the big house, cars, and clothes. This week reading allowed me to view life differently. The experimental life reading, was very captivating to read. A quote that made me quiver was “College students today look like they major in staying in shape”. After reading that I thought to my self why not. Are bodies are temporary object that we need for this life time. We all should worry more about our bodies instead of working without taking care of our temples. As mentioned in the reading our bodies are art. We should cherish it not destroy it by stressing about the little things.
Life in general is a big experiment, and day and night does not mean anything. I think everyone should help each other out, and just live life, without having to worry about time. I don’t believe in worshiping those who are fortunate to have a lot of money. For instance, so many people are infatuated with Paris Hilton, Chris Brown, Michael Jackson etc. I think its pathetic to admire anyone because of their money, because in the end. Everyone dies.
We should concentrate more on the little things in life such as watching the sunset, or enjoying a good run. Material things are just that material, it doesn’t mean it will give you fulfillment.
I absolutely realize I am not part of the creative class- from what I have observed anyway. I don’t work in an area needing high IT skills, i don’t work in a place which cherishes innovation, i wear scrubs and look like everyone else working within my hospital. I don’t really cherish my body- i like wearing scrubs simply because i hate choosing what to wear in the everyday. I tend to take care of my belongings because I see it as a way to respect my work and things i have been able to aquire thanks to it. Also having a child- having a room that looks like the redskins had a fight. i guess i’m too simple but i do see success as healthcare has always been in demand and has no end to a demise (even with the development of new technologies machines simply cannot do many functions which are required, especially in labor and delivery and ICU).
i have had an opportunity to go to the washington garden and felt like a total reject. i was thinking it would be a place where everyone participating would welcome newcomers and want to include them in the work. what i found, however, is that one of the only reasons i was ‘accepted’ was the fact one of my best friends is super involved and close with the people who are regulars. She, as most of other volunteers, leads a life of chaos with a corporate job and working on her MA but at the same time observes veagan dietary rules- i’m a red meat and potatoes sort of a girl. that didn’t go over very well. i have also found out that i fit in much better with the co-op which purchases the veggies. i think that’s because the two reps. are both co-founders and potentially saw me as a new customer, not a participant in the gardens project.
the new communities which are developing, from those strictly business and income oriented to others which are build solely around a lifestyle do not seem to accept childen (i’m speaking of me, a peer, having a child who i 8. they seem to do the math really fast and aren’t too impressed. children just don’t seem a priority at the moment).
I have noticed the friends I have that have moved to san diego and chicago because of their careers are speaking of adoption more and more. the girls cherish their slender figures and don’t hesitate to say “why should i give ‘this’ up when there are kids with no families”- i do respect this aspect very much; not really the giving up the slender figure, but awareness of the growing number of kids within our ‘system’.
the community garden was an eye opening experience. im usually very nicely welcomed by my patient and their families, here i was welcomed with the up-to-down look and it seemed a judgement was made pretty fast. grace mentioning I should bring allie to help next time wasn’t met wih alot of enthusiasm as well. Everyone went out for a drink after working, suprise it was grace who extended the invitation. i was very blind to how exclusive these rising creative communities can perceive themselves to be. i guess it’s great to have a sense of pride, but it seems that the perception of the ‘average’ citizen is not one which sparks ideas of productivity, rather an annoyance.
i realize this is just one community i have observed. i am going to do my best not to draw further judgements. i also realize my work environment is a creative community, however a very different one. it does not merely center around accomplishments and social events; rather it focuses on care and continuing education with new softwares and studies being released in order to serve our patients better.
After reading through your blog response, I felt compelled to reply. First of all, what you’ve experienced (the exclusion and snobbiness) with that particular “creative community” is unfortunately not so out-of-the-ordinary. It is typical human nature to stick to the safe path with prior connections, but I’ve noticed artistic types tend to be even more cliquey than others. Of course it’s normal to respect others who intimately understand your line of work, though there could easily be a measure of arrogance thrown into the mix.
I think (from my own experiences with my artsy side and with others’) that these people sometimes feel isolated from mainstream society and misunderstood. Often I find this attitude is only “put on” as a sort of popular conception of artists. It could have just been a particularly unsociable bunch of ‘creative’ people and I do hope you come across a more open group in the future. In MY opinion, truly creative people have a bubbling curiosity that draws them to seek out new people and experiences And if that works out in your logic as well as mine, then YOU would be the more creative person in that setting. I’m glad you recognized this in regard to your work setting. Creativity is something that expands far beyond those skills our society always fits into the artistic career category. Florida may be describing characters and tendencies he attributes to the Creative Class, but this is merely one way of defining creative peoples. In reality, as you well know, a person can claim a few of these traits here and there. So, while one may not be an all-access member of the CC, he/she can definitely BE creative! (Sorry for the pep talk, I just really empathize with the whole situation.)
I wanted to try the strategy you talked about in class about not taking notes, but really listen and digest the material without a notebook and pen on my desk. The concept that really stuck out to me during the discussion was the bohemian-bourgeoisie theme that was presented again in this weeks reading.
The bohemian concept is noted as those who are intellectuals. To me the bohemian culture is more clearly described as those who do not have a structured lifestyle and aren’t brainwashed into what society thinks. Rather, they have the upper hand because they are their own voice, and have the freedom to decide without thinking about the social class or hierarchy. They are described as intellectuals who may or may not go against what people think are “mad” or crazy. Because they think on their own, the world may think they are an outcast, but they may simply see themselves as doing what they love.
Artists, for example, are not afraid to express themselves and they are considered skilled because they have their own story to tell. They are speaking from their imagination and experience. This all sort of sounds like a “down to earth” mentality. They do what they want, and go with the flow. They do their work out of thrill, not to compare to others or show off.
However, Florida notes that there is no counterculture anymore. There is a quote I read that came to my mind which stated that “Hip is how business understands itself”. New cultures are simply another aspect of capitalism.
You see many people wearing Banana Republic and J. Crew clothing just about anywhere. Buildings portray a theme with waterfalls, lighting, and sometimes music. They make a statement. In my opinion, people who work in corporate buildings and big businesses have the freedom and leisure to dress and take days off as they wish. Of course they have rules that they must abide by, but they still enjoy the perks (ex. maternity leave). It is apparent that these businesses want people who can bring something new to the table. One question I repeatedly get asked in interviews is “What is an asset you have that you can bring to our organization”. They want to see something new and different.
And I think this is because this is what people see brings success. A group of people with different experiences that can work together to see all aspects to build something “faster, better, stronger and more efficient”. It seems that people accept uniqueness as a fortune. Hence, this may be what keeps the on-going theme of “hip”.
From this week’s reading I found the most interesting point of creativity and the active life. Not all people are active in their lives. Some are more kind of lazy. If I talk about Indian culture, people minds are set in a typical way. For example, wake up at 7:30, read newspaper and drink tea, 10 to 5 job, come back at home and do some gossip with friends, have dinner, and go to bed. People don’t like to do something interesting that makes them creative. They don’t want to explore something new. As it is said in the book of Richard Florida that, “members of the traditional working class spent the day engaged in physical labor and thus were inclined to relax in their time off.” People don’t want to be active in their free time.
But at the other end creative people want to be more creative in their work. As said in the text that, “the creative class favors active sports.” For example, River rafting. I remember when we went to North Carolina; we did river rafting in Nantahala. It was an amazing experience. The trainer was also with us to guide the direction and along with that whenever she watch other boat, she stop in the middle and talk with them. The other good part is they also have a school for teaching rafting and its good for children and adults. I think this kind of teaching helps people to be more creative and engage in different kind of activities. This is just a one example but there are various institutes who help us to be more creative. By being creative, people can learn unique activity. I am glad to have that experience in my life and everyone should be creative by doing something unique instead of sitting at home and follow the stereo type routine.