I loved the movie True Grit when it first came out. Truth be told, I had a school girl crush on Glen Campbell. I was surprised to see the movie being remade. If it’s been done once, why repeat?
Movie remakes, TV shows brought to the US that were successful elsewhere, all raise the question for me—In this world of infinite possibility and infinite creativity, why are we remaking rather than trying new things?
I heard a commentary about this on the radio recently. They talked about importing TV shows that were successful in other countries because it increased the chances of success here. I guess you can point to The Office as an example. Yes, it translated and is successful, but so what?
That pull to copy something that’s worked and increase the odds of success is understandable. As the daughter of an immigrant, security and certainty were something to strive for. Dad worked for Mack Truck, in the engines, carrier and transmissions plant for 30 years.
He earned a decent wage because the shop was unionized. He had comprehensive benefits. He retired at 62 and enjoyed his retirement years until his health failed a year and a half before his transition.
Perhaps remakes and TV imports annoy me so much because I have a tug of war inside of me. ‘Think security’ my dad voices whispers. ‘Think living large and creatively’ my soul voice whispers.
It amazes me that of the billions of people who have lived on the planet, every one of them has been unique. Guess God (or whatever you believe in) wasn’t trying to hedge its bets and increase Its odds of success by cloning high achievers. No, I imagine that creative life saying ‘hmm, wonder what would happen if… and voila, a unique human is born.
Is it possible to have security and live creativity? I think it is if we realize that true security is an inside job. Helen Keller said it well, “Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable.”
On my good days, I live the truth of Keller’s statement. On my wimpier days, I believe Keller’s sentiment but don’t live it. Ahh, to have more of those good, rich, creative, take risks, don’t-have-to-do-it perfectly days!
What’s possible if we focus on creativity rather than external security?
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