Taking a break from the beatniks right now, to look into some deeper influences. After reading Waiting for Godot I noticed that existentialism and other fundamental ways of thinking/writing are often praised and criticized. Boroughs way of writing was a stream of conscious. Having to do with the meaninglessness of life and the great absurdness. Both methods are ways of allowing a person's creative spirit to reign. Jack Kerouac along with the beat generation adopted existentialist ideas with "arthouse" films which quoted and was inspired by existentialist thought and their writers. Both literary techniques have to do with obscenities in attempt to express unspoken thoughts and describe certain feelings. Two quotes I found suitable for both literary techniques are:
"The so-called Beat Generation was a whole bunch of people, of all different nationalities, who came to the conclusion that society sucked."
- Amiri Baraka
But yet, but yet, woe, woe unto those who think that the Beat Generation means crime, delinquency, immorality, amorality ... woe unto those who attack it on the grounds that they simply don’t understand history and the yearning of human souls ... woe in fact unto those who make evil movies about the Beat Generation where innocent housewives are raped by beatniks! ... woe unto those who spit on the Beat Generation, the wind’ll blow it back."
- Jack Kerouac
Although these topics may not be inspiring to others, people should know their history in order to NOT repeat it. I don't think many take a look around and actually see, they just glance over. Without many of these pioneers their would have been no push for the civil rights movement and certain freedoms that we attain today. Also the influence of drugs and their increase of popularity in the 50's-60's. Although deadly without LSD many computer programs wouldn't exist today. I'm not saying go out naked smoking the peace pipe, I'm just saying keep an open mind. What do you think JJ?
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2 comments:
Close minded = Ignorance
Yes, keep an open mind. Much like in the religious realm, a catholic might not agree upon on a Buddhist’s philosophy, but it doesn’t mean the catholic would wage war based on their differences. Instead of criticizing one’s view, learn from their perspective. By learning from others, people’s minds expand and broaden. One might not agrees or accept a certain way of thinking but would at least have gained some knowledge of what others think.
Great analysis Alex! :)
How did you write JJ is super awesome in my blog? JJ stay focused now! we gotta do these blogggggs!
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