The third definition of the word ‘faith’ in Webster’s reads as follows, “2 a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust.“ The second reads thus, “3 : something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs.” The first definition of the word faith, within Webster’s Dictionary reads, “1 a : allegiance to duty or a person : LOYALTYb (1) : fidelity to one’s promises (2) : sincerity of intentions.” I found this fairly interesting. I think the people on this side of the pond have long been taught it is important to have faith, and it is, but little attention is paid to the question, “Faith in what?”
The system in this nation would have you believe that your self worth-success-is dictated by the amount of money in your wallet. Make no mistake, the way things are set up, it is. At least in the minds of many people who are systematically taught to think within the box and subsequently rewarded for that way of thinking. In other words you are being trained to believe that money is the center of success. Some people are trying very hard to make you think differently but ultimately, in your day to day life, you are being conditioned to have faith in money.
This happens very subtly; on the television, in magazines, on the street in shop windows, with your individual heroes and subsequently in your day to day discussions with your friends, with your parents, what, where, and how you are taught to eat and drink . . . nothing is direct. That’s the beauty of capitalism. It is your choice, isn’t it?
Let’s take something simple, like clothes shopping, your “image.” Who really dictates that? You? The company? Your boss? Us? Social pressure? Fashion designers? The Gap? Do any of us really decide just ‘how’ we will look? You can only choose from the options that are given to you. This holds true for every action you take in life. Doesn’t that mean you place your faith in someone or something else, not yourself?
I don’t have much more tonight. My friend, Lauren Cauldwell, told me a story about England. They apparently, recently, did a poll there about the state of the arts. You see, in England, everyone is given the option to donate money to the arts on there tax form. Much like we are given the option to donate three dollars for electoral activities in our own great nation. If you didn’t know this, please take a second look at your tax form next year, anyhow they polled the general populace of London. They asked a bunch of people whether or not they attended events within the arts (dance, museums, theatre, etc) and if they minded checking the box that would send there tax dollars to the arts. Now here’s the interesting part. A whole heap of folks said they didn’t attend the arts but they would gladly donate tax money to the arts. When asked why, they simply said, “because it makes our country less barbaric.”
I began speaking about faith and I will end with it. This is truth. I do not know the answers to the questions raised above, but I do know this: They can be found by funding public education and the Arts. Now some of you may say I am biased to the latter, and that’s true, but only because I know what it can provide for our communities. Important questions are raised and sometimes you agree and sometimes you do not but the point is that the matter is discussed. Does this need to happen at every night of theatre? Preferably, in my opinion, yes but entertainment is also necessary. Very necessary. Notice that the public is not often allowed to choose between the two though. Between content and entertainment. Ideally this is provided with every show but that’s not always the case. Sometimes a show is mounted simply because they know it will make money and we’re all taught that money is self-worth. Self-worth only has to do with the individual. So, you decide. You demand. Speak but say something. If you don’t the system will continue to decide for you and then tell you that you decided. Much love and light America, good-night.
