September thoughts.

Hey there folks, I've been writing to the mailing list on a regular basis for quite awhile and I've gotten some lovely comments from members of the list who have enjoyed reading particular newsletters. Once in a while I read the old ones too just to see where my head was at another time. The Baby Steps Archive can now be read online. Some of the information pertaining to past shows has been taken out but everything else is there so feel free to stop by. When I think of all the television shows I have watched and loved in my life, there is a very short list that I can actually say shaped my life. One of those shows was Fame. When it premiered back in - yikes - 1982(!) I was a young child, but I remember clearly how completely captivated I was as I transported myself to NYC's School of the Arts every week. I have no doubt that my love for music and my desire to sing and act were nurtured by that show. So I was absolutely thrilled to learn recently that MuchMoreMusic was going to be airing Fame from the beginning! I began two weeks ago and once again, I'm in love with it. One of the things that makes it so endearing is that the cast members were all real kids who were aspiring performers but most of them had never been on television, so the awkwardness, joy, corniness, triumph, wooden moments and genuine emotion feel completely honest. The songs featured on the show as background music are sung by the kids and they're not all great singers. It's just unpretentious and infectious and real. I've already cried four times since it started again - what sweet nostalgia... I highly encourage those of you who loved it to check it out, as well as those of you who didn't watch it the first time around. It's on MMM weeknights at 10. Speaking of TV, okay I'm addicted to Rock Star again. Although the calibre of performances aren't as great as last season, the show has really gotten pretty good and I'm bummed that it's ending so soon. =( I had a racist encounter with a shopkeeper last month. At first I was livid, but then I just became sad and pensive and shook my head a lot everytime I thought about it. In 2006 it is so disquieting to know that people still carry these heavy jagged stones in their hearts. And while I'm on the topic of racism, there's been a lot of controversy surrounding this season's Survivor and the producers' decision to divide the teams by race. Well, let me take the unpopular stance and say that I think that it's brilliant. Why? Because it will force people to take a look at themselves and find out if they are really the "we're-all-the-same-let's-hold-hands-and-sing-Kumbaya" beings that they think they are. What conclusions will be reached using race as the only justification? I've heard people say that to divide teams this way is unfair, but is the actually reason for this thinking more racist that the division itself? Why is it unfair? Is there a presumption from the start that the Caucasian team has the advantage? What other assumptions will rear their heads? That the Latinos will be great cooks? That the African-American team will run fast but swim badly? That the Asians won't be able to steer but will kick butt at the brain teasers? These are just some of the stereotypes that well-intentioned people walk around with in their subconsciences everyday. I can't wait to see what the contestants learn about themselves and each other. I have no doubt that some moments will be hard to watch. There will be people whose behaviour reinforces stereotypes I'm sure, but also those whose actions will smash them to bits. I'm sure that the audience will learn a lot as well if they're willing to be a bit uncomfortable in the pursuit of greater understanding. The show hasn't even begun airing yet and of course, most of the people doing the complaining have never even watched an episode of Survivor in their lives! People should really give something a chance before they judge it. Just my two cents. Lastly, I wanted to tell you about something that means an awful lot to me. It's another new blog of sorts, but it's more than a blog because it's as much about other people as it is about me. As some of you know, I used to work for the Music Therapy Trust Fund and also spent a year counselling rape victims. And of course, I'm a writer. For a long time I've pondered bringing music, writing, and women who have been victims of sexual assault together. There are few people who need to express themselves more than they do. Music, lyrics and poetry can be a voice for those who are silent and a comfort for an unspeakable pain. That is why I've started WISH. Go and pay it a visit. Be well everyone. Love, Tanisha