Optimist
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Editorials
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Features
    • Book Review
  • Multimedia
    • Photo Galleries
    • Videos
  • Podcasts
    • Optimist Overtime
    • Top of the Key
  • Police Log
  • Print Edition
  • Projects
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Policies
    • Staff Contacts
    • Jobs
You are here: Home / Opinion / Columns / Desire for spotlight can lead to discontent

Desire for spotlight can lead to discontent

February 5, 2010 by Jeff Craig

In a momentary and inexplicable lack of judgment, I watched the Grammys instead of the NFL Pro Bowl. I actually enjoyed the event, but the attire was what caught my attention.

I couldn’t care less about fashion – I have five pairs of shoes. I’m not sure what “chic” means, and I think DKNY sounds like an airport code. Regardless of my blissful fashion ignorance, the styles on the red carpet did leave quite an impression.

Supposedly, Lady Gaga dazzled the crowds with her mustard yellow hair and newest trendy dress from the “Jane Jetson Collection”.

Supposedly, Pink left the crowd breathless as she soared around the Staples Center looking naked and wrapped in toilet paper.

Supposedly, someone without eyesight issues styled Rihanna’s hair (which made Aretha Franklin’s inauguration hat look understated).

What these divas and fashionistas have in common is an unquenchable desire for attention. It is this same hunger for the spotlight that keeps politicians like Kinky Friedman and athletes like Terrell Owens firmly in the center of mainstream America.

Fame and notoriety is vital to these stars – a sort of lifeblood. All too often, Sportscenter leads with a story about TO’s latest antics, and TMZ’s latest gossip surrounds Britney Spears.

Herein lies the problem: We crave circus acts almost as much as people like Lady Gaga crave serving as ringleader. The idea that “blending in” is valuable is long gone. The message we receive today is simple – blending in is bad, sticking out is good.

We emphasize the provocative, calling it bold and trendy. At the same time, we ignore the ordinary, calling it boring and lifeless. Both ideas are incorrect and uninformed.

We don’t have to make the evening news to be notable or great. Jesus picked ordinary people to serve as his witnesses – fishermen, doctors and government employees. Unfortunately, we have even turned Jesus into a rock star – a superstar you might say. Jesus had to run from the crowds.

The point here is not to be boring but rather to understand there are other ways to be great. The closest most of us will ever get to a red carpet is Pizza Hut. Greatness is not defined in how provocative we can be but rather in what we define as greatness.

I love my so-called boring life and the so-called boring people in it. In fact, it’s not boring at all. We are just confused as to what an exciting existence looks like. The “ordinary and mundane” can bring great pleasure, if we only look for the good. I think my life is great, and I’m almost certain the 299 million or more Americans who live so-called boring existences would agree – their lives are great as well.

Filed Under: Columns

Other Opinion:

  • Not-so-friendly competition

  • Sing Song in the Expo Center presents an exciting opportunity

  • Micro-trends are a danger to Gen Z and the planet

About Jeff Craig

You are here: Home / Opinion / Columns / Desire for spotlight can lead to discontent

Other Opinion:

  • Not-so-friendly competition

  • Sing Song in the Expo Center presents an exciting opportunity

  • Micro-trends are a danger to Gen Z and the planet

Follow us online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Optimist on Twitter

acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
4 May

"Maybe we just don’t care enough. But if we do start caring, and if we become the loudest fans in the WAC, let’s stick to supportive cheering." Read more from Guest Columnist Londyn Gray:
https://acuoptimist.com/2022/04/not-so-friendly-competition/

Reply on Twitter 1521918832738144257 Retweet on Twitter 1521918832738144257 1 Like on Twitter 1521918832738144257 8 Twitter 1521918832738144257
acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
3 May

Royce Clough and Jael Morel have been named as Mr. and Miss ACU for the class of 2022, a traditional honor voted on by the student body and awarded to two members of each graduating class.

Reply on Twitter 1521607087553458178 Retweet on Twitter 1521607087553458178 Like on Twitter 1521607087553458178 18 Twitter 1521607087553458178

Optimist on Facebook

The Optimist

3 months ago

The Optimist
"Maybe we just don’t care enough. But if we do start caring, and if we become the loudest fans in the WAC, let’s stick to supportive cheering." Read more from Guest Columnist Londyn Gray: ... See MoreSee Less

Not-so-friendly competition - Optimist

acuoptimist.com

BY: LONDYN GRAY “Number 18, you look like you don’t shower!” I chuckled and shrugged it off. “Londyn!” They had looked up the roster. “Do you even brush your teeth?” I laughed again, rol...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Optimist

3 months ago

The Optimist
Cullen Auditorium is expected to be handed over to the university in June 2022, alongside a name change that coupled with the renovation will create new future for the Cornerstone class, Chapel and the Department of Theatre. ... See MoreSee Less

Cullen Auditorium still set for a name change alongside renovations - Optimist

acuoptimist.com

Cullen Auditorium is expected to be handed over to the university in June 2022, alongside a name change that coupled with the renovation will create new future for the Cornerstone class, Chapel and th...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Videos

Women’s tournament run ended by first-round exit against UTRGV

The Wildcats’ Western Athletic Conference tournament run and season came to a ... [Read More…]

  • Optimist Newscast Feb. 22. 2022
  • Optimist Newscast 2.16.2022
  • Optimist Newscast 2.9.2022

Latest Photos

  • Home
  • Weekly Ads
  • Classifieds

© 2022 ACU Optimist · All Rights Reserved