Come on. Admit it. We Americans are a society of star-gazers. Dare I even say “star-worshippers”? Whether you participate or not, as a culture, we glorify and sometimes even deify celebrities. This is especially true for those of us who pay close attention to pop-culture. (guilty). We have no problem with setting somebody up on a pedestal and attributing their worth to inspire us or make us feel good in some way. I believe it’s also true that the quicker we hail them, the quicker they lose their spot when they disappoint us. Though we might be forgiving personally, collectively we often practice un-forgiveness. Overall, we are in the habit of immortalizing people, and most often for very good reasons, affixing them as heroes and heroine, if not of the land, than of our hearts.
My question to everyone is: What makes a person great? We are quick to make people famous, stars, heroes, celebrities, idols, icons, legends, great, etc., but we don’t have a set standard of what makes a person qualify for these revered categories. (At least not in pop culture or the media). So then to qualify, it becomes every man for his own opinion. And similar to the voting process, the person with the most similar opinions about them, wins the overall favorable status. But does that mean they truly qualify? So, essentially, it’s arguable and debatable whether or not some stars should acquire the status they have.
But what I want to argue today is the issue of greatness. What makes a person great?Well, it is my fondest belief that greatness:
1. Finds those who are not looking for it
2. Is borne out of enduring hardship being morally principled
3. Is established when you die in the process
Lesson #1. Finds those who are not looking for it.
In the rap music industry, there was/is a debate whether a living great is Jay-Z or Li’l Wayne. If you’re not familiar with either, I can attest that they both are very talented. But as it pertains to greatness, you have to break open more and stringent criteria. My only caveat with Li’l Weezy is that he’s looking and trying to be “great.” Similar to Kanye West, they’ve made it known that one of their main goals is to be great. My question to them, and any other, would be: How dare you impose your will upon the opinion of the masses? Greatness has to be given to you! I mean, you could call yourself great names all day, but what if we all don’t agree? Then you become what we commonly call as a “legend in his own mind.”
Side note: Greatness is not to be confused with popularity. Just Blaze, another popular music figure, when asked who does he think is the "greatest. Who is the hottest ", correctly asserted that they are two different terms. Being "hot" (experiencing temporary, yet significant progress and success) is very different from being "great" (long term success, a history of successes and recognition). It's very possible to be hot, without being great.
But, the reason why certain people are great are because they’re not looking for it. I learned a “great” lesson that good leaders are people who work on something that’s bigger than them or their name. Therefore, even if and when they die, the work will continue. So tell me what’s bigger: trying to be the best entertainer or inspiring mankind and generations to come? I know one particular artist whose primary goal is win a Grammy. Actually, what musician wouldn’t want to win that coveted prize? But I feel like their vision is too short. Go beyond Grammy! Go beyond accolades and recognition! Go to the sphere where you can change the way the world thinks, acts and does in a single song! That’s greatness! Ever heard of that phrase that says, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll be among the stars!”? True words indeed. If your goal and/or dream is fairly attainable in your lifetime, then its too short! But if your aspiration is gi-normous than it’s perfect! Mainly because even if you never reach that goal, your legacy will continue in the hands of another, and your name will live on (in a good way, I hope). The main point is: in your life’s pursuit, don’t target on greatness. Go Beyond. Go higher! Greatness will find you!
Stay tuned for part 2.
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