My son has recently become fascinated by the "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)" craze, a pop rap song by Silento that features a series of dance moves. The song has gone viral and has inspired hundreds of self-made dance videos around the world. (I think we've watched way too many versions, but this one, featuring some very rhythmically-gifted kids, is his favorite.) And I will declare- albeit as his mother- that my little guy is THE CUTEST when he dances to the music.
Of course, not everyone is as charmed by the song as my tiny dancer. Critics question the quality of the song itself and find it's overly-simplistic lyrics mediocre at best. My brother-in-law, for instance, has dubbed it "the song of our times," illustrating how society is all about self-centeredness. And, in his opinion, the song's refrain of "watch me, watch me" perfectly exemplifies that phenomenon.
Hmmm.... I certainly can't argue with him there. I too am weary of the over-sharing, self-indulgent individuals who love to provide the media with sensationalism.
However, in the midst of all of this selfie-laden frenzy I try to remember that there
can be greatness in self-expression. Not self-aggrandizement or behavior meant only to attract attention, but true, authentic self-expression. Sharing our talents, our joys, our interests and passions with others,
isn't that really what it means to connect with one another?
To engage in life and share what we believe is worth sharing?
I can't count the number of times when someone's personal story has helped me figure out a problem I've been grappling with. Or when someone's well thought-out insights have transformed my way of thinking and behaving. And I can point to numerous moments throughout my life when I've been profoundly touched by someone else's self-expression through film, dance, music, art, writing, photography, performance or athletic feats.
In fact, here's a great example from Upworthy that shows of the
power of sharing music through opera.
I'll readily admit that the cynic in me never ceases to be appalled by what is shared by people who eat notoriety and fame for breakfast. ('Cause over-sharing is NOT caring!) But the idealist in me gives some of these folks the benefit of the doubt and believes that the hidden motivation behind the majority of blowhards and show-stealers is this: they want to be heard, just as we all want to be heard. They want to make an impact but they don't know what kind of impact. They want to express themselves and no longer feel invisible; however, they don't really know what they want to say or how to say it, and so it comes out too raw, too crass, too bombastic and lacks the integrity of a well thought-out expression of themselves.
So I've learned to sift through the noise and look for joy. Watching someone's unguarded, uninhibited enjoyment of expressing an impulse makes me feel like humanity might just have a chance.
And my son? Though he previously shunned any form of dancing has now been practicing his moves: spinning, handstands, hip wiggles and hops. He sings the song loud and proud and his classically trained singer-mom is thrilled. The fact that he's added a new dimension to how he moves his body and expresses himself makes me smile.
(I think I may have even seen some dance-inspired moves on the soccer field last weekend!)
And who do have to thank for getting my guy to take a second look at music and dance? I suppose I'm indebted to a 17 year-old boy named
Ricky Lamar Hawk, otherwise known to his fans as "Silento", who decided he had something to share.
Photo Credit: "spotlight" Marcin Kargol via Flickr/Creative Commons
We've all been there, right? When we're really, really busy and stressed, the last thing we want to do is to stop and take time to relax. And that's where my dad was mentally.
