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Trying to understand my friends




Something like this makes you reflect on your own interests, desires, and capabilities. For some reason (you could offer one or two), something about it elicits a strong reaction from the viewer. Reactions vary widely: this is awesome. I would do it; this is awesome, would never do it; love to see it done; ashamed to see it done; doesn't make any sense; etc.

After we get over the initial reactions, we tend to forget a clip like this. It doesn't have much staying power (for reasons you could supply). For me, however, I find that there is another level of interpretation to be extracted. That is, the question: How do I imagine the people I know as participants in this event?

Actually, this came to mind because, for the first time, I thought of someone that would actually seem genuine and comfortable in such a stunt. It seems that many people would not be able to be genuine in this situation, either putting on a show to show off, or putting on a show to try to fit in. On the other hand, book publisher, you would enjoy this and do a good job at it. New Jersey, you would love to do it, but for some reason I feel as though it would be an inauthentic display.
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D said…
Interesting point about the reasons some people would choose to do this.

At my wedding, I particularly agonized over the decision of aisle-walking for months. By height? Just ladies? Couples? Father giving away?

It felt very important -perhaps more than it really was- at the time.

I can see that for some people, this would be the perfect choice. After all, when I took that first step down the aisle, I was overwhelmed with joy.

I happen to be one who cries for joy, but it makes just as much sense to dance. More sense, really.

Perhaps those who are inclined to dance for joy are also those who don't mind (or enjoy) being a spectacle. So, for me, even if they are doing it to be a show off, it can still be "authentic."
November 12, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Ryan Thomas Barnhart said…
Hey D, thanks for posting. I suppose I should fill in the back story. When I first found this link, I was totally psyched about the prospect of dancing to a hip hop song down the aisle, trying to figure out where it could fit into whatever marriage celebration I would be a part of. At the same time, I return to that thought and wonder who of the women I have known or dated would be able to enjoy it as well, use it as an expression of joy and not simply as a spectacle or experience to add to their checklist of experiences. That's not to say their way of living the moment is any less valid as you well point out. For me it is simply an indicator of perhaps how I and the other sync up, how well we fit together based on our approach to this event. Sort of like metonymy, but with experience instead of words, the part (dancing down the aisle) substituting for the whole (the experience of life together).
November 13, 2009 at 7:48 AM
D said…
Ah, I see. The experience might not be as terrific if it wasn't with someone who was doing it for the same reason you are. As with many things in life.
November 13, 2009 at 12:09 PM
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