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Youth Art Month by Patty Klibansky
March is National Youth Art Month. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has been a leader in bringing the arts into public education. Lynn Classical High School includes Art as one of the core subjects as designated in the federal No Child Left Behind Bill and the Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993. It is essential that the public supports the arts. Art education helps students develop expression, critical thinking, team-work and problem solving skills, in order that students may succeed and be inspired in school, college, and in their future careers. Kindly take cognizance of Youth Art Month and participate in our City-wide Student Art Exhibit at the Lynn Arts on 25 Exchange Street in Lynn on March 29th from 6:00-8:00 PM. Please show your support for our young, talented artists. Art will be for sale on Opening Night in an effort to raise funds for Haiti relief.
Everyday Beauty: Part Two
This time, Cinda Danh focuses her lens on downtown Lynn..........
Thoreau and Marching to the Beat of your Own Drum an essay by Cara Garrity
The ability to think and be an individual is a key part of being human. In his book Walden, Henry David Thoreau expresses many sentiments of self awareness and appreciation. One such sentiment seems to be strived for by all people, but never fully understood nor achieved. It is the almost inconceivable notion that, “if a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” This statement seems almost cliché, but it holds such a powerful truth.
Human beings are individuals. Thoreau’s words emphasize this notion. What he is saying is that every person is unique, and it is okay to be original. One “pace” may suit one or even several people, but that does not mean it is meant for everyone. If a person does not follow or conform to others, they merely have a different purpose or calling. They “hear a different drummer” and that is perfect.
Not only must people follow what their heart desires or what their “drummer” drums, but they must allow others to do the same. Thoreau states, “Let him step to the music which he hears.”, meaning: do not hinder someone from doing what they do just because it is different. The degree of difference does not matter. “However measured or far away,” their music is, it is theirs and it can not be taken away.
Following your desires and allowing others to do the same does not mean leading a segregated life, Thoreau did not use the word companion just by chance. “If a man does not keep pace with his companions…” It is not necessary to keep the same pace as the people close to you. Surrounding yourself with people pursuing different dreams, living differently than you, is a healthy way of life. It makes living life more interesting
Most people have difficulties living by such ideology. It is difficult to be you when that is not always what others want you to be. The pressures are everywhere to be a different person. Physically, socially, spiritually, academically, there is always some way to be “better” or more “normal”. Living by Thoreau’s simple idea would create more happiness and self appreciation. It is hard to appreciate yourself when you are told you are not good enough. By rising above and believing you are good enough you are remaining true to yourself. Trying to march to the beat of the wrong drummer is uncomfortable and unnatural. Why should people be so self-destructive as to have to do that? Nevertheless, it is what people, everyone, does. They degrade themselves and force themselves to be something they are not. They strain to hear a drummer that is not theirs and they fall out of step.
With his words Thoreau is trying to tell people to be themselves. Forget every pressure telling you to be something different. Do what makes you happy. Let others do the same. This message demonstrates how judgmental the world is today. People are reluctant to be themselves in fear of being judged. Those remaining true to themselves are ridiculed. By taking Thoreau’s advice the world would become much more accepting and open. Many of the world’s greatest problems are caused by judgment. Prejudice for instance is a form of pre-judgment. Genocide results from the hateful characterization of a group of people, who are, in fact, all individuals not a generalization. Incidences like Columbine happen because individuals are targeted and ostracized. By allowing people to express themselves in any fashion they choose, you are allowing them to be human. Denying them this strips them of their being and feeling of self. This is the point at which humanity begins to become lost.
Thoreau’s words are a challenge. They are a challenge to love yourself as you are, to love others as they are. They are a challenge to rise above the absurd. They are a challenge to change the world through acceptance. In these simple words, Thoreau held the power to change lives.
