Want to make money, gain power and influence? Become an expert at something that appeals to peoples need to feel superior. Just about anyone can brew coffee. But how many of us can claim to brew coffee made from Blue Mountain Jamacian beans? Thats what is most in demand in Japan, never mind that Hawaiian coffee beans are closer and also superior. Those go to Europe, insuring that cofee beans travel the furthest distance possible to reach their oh so "in" consumer.
Becoming too good for the regular crowd beats trying to please everybody hands down. The most sucessful snobbery scheme is Starbucks, which offers only the best for its loyal junkies, err customers. Which is funny because they went from the incredibly snobby practice of only selling beans (at the first five stores) to selling coffee slurpies in pretty cups. Besides, like any self respecting drug dealer they have gotten into producing movies and albums.
I can look back and see what a snob I have been in my life. I thought the band Low was soo great and would talk about them with only the most sensative well informed music lovers, who were considered indie (for independent of course) rockers. These people are so great at talking about music. Unfortunately they are also so great at standing with their arms crossed looking at a band play as if they were studying for a mid term. Perhaps they were, and if they failed to take close notes they would be forced into exile from their indie rock counterparts. This exile land? perhaps a stadium show, perhaps listening to KBCO and finding oneself singing along, NON IRONICLY! The horror.
There are so many degrees of eliteism it boggles the mind. Or ast least the mind of a failed snob like myself. From PHD degrees to extensive knowledge of a really good rare beer to an expensive vehicle that sets you apart from the other common folk waiting at the red light, there are thousands of ways to say "I have a star on my belly, so get off my beach, You common sneech!"
So whats wrong with being an expert? Having the most unique sense of style and getting the most from life? Whats wrong with zigging while all the morrons are zagging and zagging while all the riff raff are zigging? Nothing I suppose.
But whats bigger than all these little details? Life is. If you read a little Joseph Campbell you are introduced to the hero's journey. To sum it up in my own words, That journey is to move outside your comfort zone, outside your self and bring something back to your community. Its not a popular idea in our age, when the notion that each one of us is the center of the universe and everthing should go our way and we shuold never be incovenienced. But thats it. Just to go out and sacrifice a bit and help others. SO, if you can do this, Like promethius bringing fire, George Harrison bringing eastern thought, My cool neighbor bringing me corn, bring something without being smug or self serving or important and bringing good to others just for the sake of good, CONGADULATIONS! You are enlightened! You are my hreo, which by the way, is a very select group.
Labels: Uppity
