Love is A Thing of Action and Honesty.

The other day, I finally watched Rebel without a Cause, which stars the mesmerizing James Dean. The Movie title sparked my interest when it was mentioned in a history book as the movie which symbolized the feelings of teens in the 50’s.  During that time many middle-class Americans had a cozy, sheltered existence which led to a problem of conformity and delusional, complacency. Their general complacency was delusional because many Americans were still in extreme suffering and the quality of life in America was definitely not increasing. As a result, many intellectuals, artists, and teens were extremely dissatisfied with their surroundings. So, parents of 1950 teens had many worries, and, we today have brilliant, thought provoking movies .

Rebel without a Cause is a prime example of that last statement. There were several themes running through the movie such as parenting, family structure, honesty, love, etc. But, the theme that caught my attention was the importance of sincerity and moral strength. Jim Stark (Dean), for all his vices, was sincere and morally strong. His own moral strength is what made him dissatisfied with his father, the icon of a younger boy named Plato, an unfortunate witness to Buzz’s death in a Chickee Race, and the prey of a group of bullies armed with knives. While, Jim wasn’t very smart, his moral strength made his character admirable. Jim’s sincerity is what “gets the girl”. At first, Judy wasn’t very impressed with him. But later, she comes to admire him because Jim is honest and true which “is the most important thing.”

 Even though Jim Stark’s character wasn’t by any means “bad”. His character does explain some of the appeal of the “bad boy” or “bad girl”. No one in this world is perfect; everyone has a vice. When a person’s vice is not hidden, others can get used to it, and look past it. A person with obvious vices (as long they aren’t terrible like murder or thievery) makes others feel comfortable, because that person probably won’t be an ugly surprise.  On the other hand, a person who appears vice-free could be okay or, full of some nasty surprises. To illustrate: I’d feel more comfortable buying a used car that’s advertised as needing a “few minor repairs “, than buying a used car that’s advertised as “in perfect condition”.  In Conclusion, everyone shouldn’t “let it all out” because moral strength is a quality we all should cultivate, but, whatever we are going to do (good or bad) should be unpretentious and sincere.

   To end on a fluffy musical note, I added a music video by one of my favorite bands The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. I love how fizzy and chill the music is but how expressive the lyrics are. My favorite member of the band would have to be Peggy Wang. I adore the long hair and long bangs.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Much thanks for reading. Many many hugs and warm feelings. J

Being Unique is Much More Fun Than Being Popular.

    A massive boulder has been released from my shoulders, and I am soo happy. Finally, I finished and presented my presentation on Pays de la Loire, a region in France. My French teacher assigns each of us a region to present every semester. So we learn not only the French language, but the history, geography, culture, and spots to hit in France and Paris. While actually doing the projects is a pain in the butt, watching other people's projects is fun and informative. From the projects I learned how to travel cheap in Paris but still have quite a luxe experience. Also, I now am sure that I belong in Languedoc Rousillion.

      Recently, I was doing some research on Elizabeth Taylor (a very fascinating lady). And that led me to researching James Dean. Its a real shame that I didn't get interested in his work until now. I deprived myself of some serious culture (fixing that presently).James Dean in a way reminds me of Marilyn Monroe. He was an unique individual,  was driven and focused. Like Marilyn his untimely  death sealed him as a legend. When I read James Dean's   good life guide, I was absolutely inspired. ("Remember: Life is short, break the rules (they were made to be broken) Forgive quickly, kiss slowly .Love truly, laugh uncontrollably. .And never regret anything that makes you smile. The clouds are lined with silver and the glass is half full (though the answers won't be found at the bottom). Don't sweat the small stuff, You are who you are meant to be, Dance as if no one's watching, Love as if it's all you know, Dream as if you'll live forever, Live as if you'll die today") If Marilyn Monroe's would be a girl's best grandmother, James Dean would be the world's best grandfather. Could you imagine Marilyn Monroe and James Dean as a couple? Their combined wisdom and coolness would be  a  grandchild's treasure.

       Speaking of life smart, individual people, I must include Katharine Hepburn. She did what made her happy and comfortable no matter what people thought of her for it. I love how she loved to wear pants when it was definitely not in vogue for a woman. When , the studio took away her pants, she didn't give in and wear something more "feminine". Instead, she just stayed in her underwear until they brought them back. Her movies are inspirational. Katharine usually plays the spirited,freethinker she was in real life.
She made some pretty interesting but true quotes about life and love. Here's my favorite five.      
1)“Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get - only with what you are expecting to give - which is everything.”
2)“. . . as one goes through life one learns that if you don't paddle your own canoe, you don't move.”
3)“If you always do what interests you, at least one person is pleased.”
4)If you want to sacrifice the admiration of many men for the criticism of one, go ahead, get married.”
5)Never complain. Never explain

Last but not least, another very individual and talented lady. Regina Spektor. I love her style, fashion and musical. Her song's lyrics lend themselves to different interpretations, especially her song Us. To me its talking about maybe a couple with a strong bond, that people envy and want to weaken. Or it could be about immigrants chasing a dream in another country. Either way, that's just me. :)

I apologize that this post took so long to show itself. I promised myself last weekend I wouldn't even look at emmaspicnic until I had finished my French project and organized all my French notes, which, took alot longer than expected. But, a new post will come very soon since it will feature Mae West, who I adore. Anyways much thanks for reading. Many many hugs and warm feelings. xoxoxo
 Briee