In a scale of 1 to 10, how happy are you? It's a great topic when you're buzzed but when you're asked this during your midday procrastinations, it can get be very disconcerting.
I met up with buddies in Moksha and because we were pretty tipsy this time, the conversation naturally gravitated towards happiness or the lack of it. I was surprised that quite a few shared their feelings of unhappiness, inadequacy or brokenness though in varying degrees and forms. I wasn't surprised that a lot of my friends felt this way. I think i was taken aback more by the admission than by its reality. I think i've always felt that even the most successful and blessed person isn't really completely happy. I guess it's human nature. And though we may take comfort in the knowledge that we're not alone in our sadness, in reality, we really are. Every individual's grief is unique. It is personal. And no one can deal with it other than yourself.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Friday, June 1, 2007
The good old days
I came from the Creative Guild Awards held at the Metropolitan Museum a few days ago. It's been a while since i've been to a museum. They had a particularly interesting collection of works by Hidalgo amongst the many modern art pieces. It was a stark contrast with its classic beauty--its beautiful portrayal of ordinary colonial activities and sullen portraits could almost bring you back to a totally different era. The history geek in me was thrilled.
But of course these were mere props for the awards show. Its highlight (apart from the awards) as far as our Agency was concerned was the Lifetime achievement award given to my boss.
"I was given 4 minutes to deliver a speech but please forgive me if I speak longer, for this only happens once in a lifetime." -- To crudely paraphrase his introduction. And extend he did, for almost a whole lifetime if we take into consideration the ADHD-like attention spans of advertising people. His very formal speech was languid yet obviously hearfelt, honest and insightful. The type of speech you don't hear anymore because it isn't cool, not particularly funny, doesn't try to impress and requires intentioned attention.
As expected, the crowd grew restless and perhaps only those in the front row and maybe half of our Agency were really paying attention as the speech was winding down. Like the Hidalgo amidst modern art pieces, the difference couldn't be more apparent. As with everything, a new generation is slowly taking over. One that is edgy, irreverent and open-minded. We are less structured, more pragmatic, more inclusive, more spiritual rather than religious. Feel good sitcoms and cartoons grounded on family values and moral lessons have been replaced by dazzling special effects, dysfunctional personalities and gripping storylines. It cannot be denied that some of the progressive ideas and technologies are a step ahead for the human race. But for someone like me who has great respect for the past, I am still unsure if we're ultimately heading towards the right direction.
But of course these were mere props for the awards show. Its highlight (apart from the awards) as far as our Agency was concerned was the Lifetime achievement award given to my boss.
"I was given 4 minutes to deliver a speech but please forgive me if I speak longer, for this only happens once in a lifetime." -- To crudely paraphrase his introduction. And extend he did, for almost a whole lifetime if we take into consideration the ADHD-like attention spans of advertising people. His very formal speech was languid yet obviously hearfelt, honest and insightful. The type of speech you don't hear anymore because it isn't cool, not particularly funny, doesn't try to impress and requires intentioned attention.
As expected, the crowd grew restless and perhaps only those in the front row and maybe half of our Agency were really paying attention as the speech was winding down. Like the Hidalgo amidst modern art pieces, the difference couldn't be more apparent. As with everything, a new generation is slowly taking over. One that is edgy, irreverent and open-minded. We are less structured, more pragmatic, more inclusive, more spiritual rather than religious. Feel good sitcoms and cartoons grounded on family values and moral lessons have been replaced by dazzling special effects, dysfunctional personalities and gripping storylines. It cannot be denied that some of the progressive ideas and technologies are a step ahead for the human race. But for someone like me who has great respect for the past, I am still unsure if we're ultimately heading towards the right direction.
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