tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post1928312227542217425..comments2024-03-28T04:17:20.834-07:00Comments on The Daily Connoisseur: Refuse to be Dumbed Down The Daily Connoisseurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13843902889491327636noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-29917340603148076822017-06-06T13:29:07.545-07:002017-06-06T13:29:07.545-07:00I wanted to let you know that this is one of those...I wanted to let you know that this is one of those videos I have returned to time and time again, to encourage and remind me of the importance of arts and culture in my life. A few years ago, I took up tap dancing which has been a source of absolute joy in my life! I also try to play the piano as often as I can (I took 13 years of lessons) but I find myself impatient with trying to learn new pieces...I think, however, that I should literally consider it brain therapy (to ward away future dementia?) and just try to work on something daily, even just for 15 minutes. I have also made it a goal to join a community choir in the next year. My world (and that of my children) can only be improved by keep the arts important in our home.Blisshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13709990267700293077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-68632120491640926332015-03-02T05:20:24.601-08:002015-03-02T05:20:24.601-08:00Excellent video/post! I also kind of despair somet...Excellent video/post! I also kind of despair sometimes about what often passes for entertainment - reality TV, violence, celebrity gossip, lowbrow humour, people being horrible to each other. It's like mental junk food. <br /><br />I grew up in Montreal, but now live in a small town where the conversational currency is often "did you see The Bachelor last night?", so it can be a challenge. But I will not give in! :) Art, culture, books, quality entertainment are there - we just have to seek them out and patronize them. The neat thing is that when you go to something like the symphony or a play or theatre - even to listen to an acoustic guitarist in a coffee shop - you meet like- minded others. I find it a good antidote to the "the world is going to hell" thoughts that I sometimes have, and we get to be part of conversations about something other than reality TV.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10138068699372522123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-77758666064634497832015-03-02T04:30:42.451-08:002015-03-02T04:30:42.451-08:00If Ella Kova's comment that art and music are ...If Ella Kova's comment that art and music are no longer part of the curriculum in American schools, then that is a very significant factor in this discussion. If children are not exposed to the arts in school, then when, where and how are they supposed to learn an appreciation for them?<br /><br />Does all the responsibility for art and music education now fall to the parents? <br /><br />Can we lobby our school boards and governments about what our children are learning?<br /><br />I don't have the answers.Evalinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12820455386922167585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-8732750174171964742015-03-01T20:24:41.868-08:002015-03-01T20:24:41.868-08:00Thank you for offering such a meaningful commentar...Thank you for offering such a meaningful commentary, and being a conscience for our culture as a whole. As usual, you are spot on. Yours is the only blog I visit week after week, because you inspire me to turn off my electronics, and dig my nose into a book, or make a beautiful meal, or clean my home, or tend to my garden.<br />All the best,D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01024505974462949905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-84469197577740777182015-03-01T15:17:15.981-08:002015-03-01T15:17:15.981-08:00I love this. I would add my own two cents, as the ...I love this. I would add my own two cents, as the wife of a professional theater scholar and artist, that we also need to remember that for the continuation of art and culture we need to be supporting modern and new art. The classics are classic because they are great and we should all get to expereince an amazing ballet performance of swan lake, not only for the dance but for the music. But we should equally give our time to smaller groups and new works. for example; go to new works night at your local theater or college, instead of buying another amazing cezzane art print frequent your local artist market find someone who's work you connect with and buy an original, go see small troupe performances of dance and symphony. for the arts to sustain into the future we need to help the people who make art by supporting their ability to make their own original works. Art is a living process, lets engage with it! Thank you JenniferAmber https://www.blogger.com/profile/08816221946036461749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-55072344032351502972015-02-28T14:10:45.193-08:002015-02-28T14:10:45.193-08:00The local library is a convenient step in cultivat...The local library is a convenient step in cultivating a rich inner life, no matter one's age. <br /><br />Years ago, our local library had framed art prints that you could check out. My parents taught us a but if art history this say. I still remember exactly where Mom hung the prints in the living room. I'd gaze at them and think about what a big, mysterious world it was. It still is! Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00301448362708722880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-44212356181966549202015-02-28T04:28:12.848-08:002015-02-28T04:28:12.848-08:00Hello,
This conversation is a breath of fresh air....Hello,<br />This conversation is a breath of fresh air. My husband and I have also not had cable TV for 10 years. When we stay in a hotel, we anticipate having TV in our hotel with a little excitement, after hearing about all the "great" shows people are watching.<br /><br />After 5 minutes (or less, actually), we are appalled, and turn it off! We enjoy the PBS shows on our laptop, and can get the important news that way as well. We miss nothing essential.<br /><br />I would like to recommend the books "The Well Trained Mind" and "The Well Educated Mind", both by Susan Wise Bauer. These are courses of study to help those without a classical education study, learn and think. They are appropriate for adults.<br /><br />While she wrote these to supplement home schooling curriculums (I think), there is no agenda at all, just a wonderful set of lessons for expanding our knowledge.<br /><br />Keep up the good work! This video has inspired me to be sure to seek out the arts this weekend!<br />Thank you,<br />LisaLollyghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00685917202250783234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-38614011470369384732015-02-27T18:51:55.118-08:002015-02-27T18:51:55.118-08:00I am so inspired! For a long time I have been an e...I am so inspired! For a long time I have been an enthusiast for the history, classic literature, and the arts. That can be so tough in today's culture, where sympathizers seem few and far between. But I know they are out there, and that all is NOT lost. I, too, refuse to be dumbed down. My piano, my books, and my fetishes for theater, art, ballet, and quality film will not suffer neglect. More than once I have slipped into the unpoetic strides of pop culture, so thanks, Jennifer, for the reality check.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04931899964055344180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-34314117153537761452015-02-27T14:05:13.795-08:002015-02-27T14:05:13.795-08:00Read a book - a good one, no fifty shades of grey ...Read a book - a good one, no fifty shades of grey - and you will feel really more smart.<br />Bj e fk c Deus.<br />Nana<br />http://procurandoamigosvirtuais.blogspot.com.brNanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01739375778855289693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-40660942891411256042015-02-27T09:32:32.797-08:002015-02-27T09:32:32.797-08:00Thank you for this video. My husband and I discus...Thank you for this video. My husband and I discuss this topic almost daily. We have three young boys 10, 6 & 5. We try so hard to instill these things and hope they enjoy things other than video games and TV. It is so hard when all of their friends only want to do those things. It is an uphill battle for sure, but we aren't giving up! It so wonderful to know others feel the same way that we do.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09845841324463601054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-20226517215169299362015-02-27T07:57:12.427-08:002015-02-27T07:57:12.427-08:00Love, love, love this video, Jennifer! One of the...Love, love, love this video, Jennifer! One of the things we try to implement in our household is rather than give gifts of material possessions (clothes, gadgets, etc.), to give the gift of something that will inspire us and help us to grow as a person. For me, I love getting theater tickets (living in NYC makes this very accessible), and my husband loves reading about chefs and trying new restaurants.<br /><br />Keep up the wonderful work, you are such an inspiration!Jess @UsedYorkCityhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13761014649756989971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-19074305368522319282015-02-26T19:59:41.972-08:002015-02-26T19:59:41.972-08:00Bravo again Jennifer...Yup - I'm tired of the ...Bravo again Jennifer...Yup - I'm tired of the Kardashians & Kanye West from sucking the air out of the American 'dialogue'!! Heaven help us - how do we get them to retire from their non-lives? <br /><br />My girls are now in their early twenties, but when they were in grade school, I'd take them to the Metropolitan Museum (MET - we live in NYC) after school and they would pick a masterpiece to sketch. Like you, we made a point of discussing topics with the girls over dinner. They both ended up attending very good colleges. And even today when they are not under my wing anymore, I treat them to a ballet performance during the season and we often to go to the theatre. I try to make a point to ask them, "What are you reading?". When I call my 88 year-old mother for a chat - a woman who would have loved to have gone to college but couldn't & didn't - but who reads voraciously every day - I ask her as well, "what are you reading?"- and she loves to sum up her latest literary find. Approaching her ninth decade, reading excites my mother more than anything....she doesn't get around much anymore...but she loves her armchair, literary 'journeys'; Reading has been a big bond between us. <br /><br />In sum, we have to encourage each other to stretch our minds, perceptions and experiences. We have to invite friends to attend events with us, to recommend books and to help us experience and enjoy the world to the utmost.<br /><br />Bravo to you for reminding us!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-91508101969951721182015-02-26T16:26:05.444-08:002015-02-26T16:26:05.444-08:00I think part of the problem is a lack of exposure ...I think part of the problem is a lack of exposure in childhood to world class art, music and literature. Children get dumbed down starting at school level because the art, music programs are no longer part of the curriculum. Typical American child's entertainment is to go to a baseball game or an amusement park. Very few people (mostly residents of big cities) have access to a quality lifestyle. In Europe you just have to step out of your apartment to be surrounded by culture...Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07871287962008040266noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-80801928223412531822015-02-26T13:13:57.751-08:002015-02-26T13:13:57.751-08:00Sarah, I'm currently taking one of the Teachin...Sarah, I'm currently taking one of the Teaching Company courses right now - "Classics of American Literature."<br /><br />Great resource.Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15758211474505618515noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-27118357041405543242015-02-26T10:08:42.680-08:002015-02-26T10:08:42.680-08:00One of my favorite quotes that I have tacked on my...One of my favorite quotes that I have tacked on my board by my desk:<br />"One ought,<br />Every day at least,<br />To hear a little song,<br />Read a good poem,<br />See a fine picture,<br />And, if it were possible,<br />To speak a few reasonable words." ~Goethe<br /><br />Thank you Jennifer for your words of inspiration and encouragement. I do feel that as a society will settle with the lowest denominator if not challenged. Our brains were made for so much more- to explore, to create, to learn more about the world and the people around us. www.wellofencouragment.blogspot.comAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13903335296971578187noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-10861884646856792192015-02-26T09:21:10.574-08:002015-02-26T09:21:10.574-08:00I am surprised that no one has mentioned all the w...I am surprised that no one has mentioned all the wonderful knowledge one can obtain through The Teaching Company courses. Courses in music, art, literature, science, math, history, health, and religion all taught by some of the best professors in the country. We have listened or watched so many of the courses and have never been disappointed. As an extra bonus, although the courses can be purchased, almost all public libraries have them to check out for free. One course we listened to was "Cultural Literacy for Religion: Everything the Well-Educated Person Should Know" Another was "The U.S. and the Middle East:1914 to 9/11." One of the first ones we listened to was "Medieval Heroines in History and Legend" about Hildegard of Bingen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Joan of Arc (who knew there were actual transcripts from her trial)and we have not stopped since. No need to be dumped down with such wonderful resources readily available.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11959763099907455047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-42325384603188264932015-02-26T09:21:10.264-08:002015-02-26T09:21:10.264-08:00I am surprised that no one has mentioned all the w...I am surprised that no one has mentioned all the wonderful knowledge one can obtain through The Teaching Company courses. Courses in music, art, literature, science, math, history, health, and religion all taught by some of the best professors in the country. We have listened or watched so many of the courses and have never been disappointed. As an extra bonus, although the courses can be purchased, almost all public libraries have them to check out for free. One course we listened to was "Cultural Literacy for Religion: Everything the Well-Educated Person Should Know" Another was "The U.S. and the Middle East:1914 to 9/11." One of the first ones we listened to was "Medieval Heroines in History and Legend" about Hildegard of Bingen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Joan of Arc (who knew there were actual transcripts from her trial)and we have not stopped since. No need to be dumped down with such wonderful resources readily available.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11959763099907455047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-34232694577734497262015-02-25T17:33:16.194-08:002015-02-25T17:33:16.194-08:00Brava!!!
You are wise beyond your years. Would t...Brava!!!<br /><br />You are wise beyond your years. Would that more women your age thought and care as you do. So much of American culture has become crass, vulgar, stupid, and idiotic--as you say. I, for one, wish "Reality TV" (right? real reality, me thinks not) would go away. The Price is Right is all the Reality TV we need--Can the Karadashians and Jenners just go away--please? Like now, today? Who watches this stuff. Not me--and I don't anyone who does. But, someone is watching because if it wasn't making money it wouldn't be on--perhaps we are now a nation of "what a hot mess" voyeurs? <br /><br />Jennifer<br />Camelot, CAJenniLouLouhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03221884457421036734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-16132602752620233012015-02-25T16:49:38.552-08:002015-02-25T16:49:38.552-08:00The participation in this post is very nearly brin...The participation in this post is very nearly bringing tears of joy to my eyes. I want to reply to Chris. Thank you for your fair minded comment, Chris. I want to make sure you know that some sci fi and fantasy books ARE classics of literature: "War of the Worlds" and "The Hobbit" for example. I love classics but I also enjoy light mysteries with recipes. This is okay. There is folk art and folk music. Rag dolls can be art. I think that what most of us are saying is that the things we read/watch/listen to should not be disgusting to the point that it's difficult if not impossible to identify the artistry. As for raising children, yes, the window of opportunity is small, but this is only because children grow up so quickly. Parents can have as much or as little influence as they choose. My oldest is going to be 15 next month, and I can't tell you how the time has flown by. This is why it's crucial to be vigilant and to make the most of each moment. I have even had arguments with my son's "appreciation of the arts" teacher and kept him home when she was showing films that were more entertaining than educational, if they contained graphic violence as entertainment or graphic drug use, for example. I think parents especially need courage to go against the grain and to risk our child's displeasure. They get over it! But they might never be able to forget a disturbing image they saw in a film or on TV. I am happy to report that my children seem to be growing into delightful young people. Now It's time for me to make dinner for my family using a recipe from one of those mysteries. I feel thankful to everyone for your thoughtful, encouraging engagement in this discussion. Ladylikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17830602869390035670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-186783008370786872015-02-25T11:52:50.695-08:002015-02-25T11:52:50.695-08:00I have never eaten a meal at McDonalds.
I don'...I have never eaten a meal at McDonalds.<br /><br />I don't eat meat and make 95% of my meals from scratch.<br /><br />People around me wear stretched out faded t-shirts and leggings. ..I dress up.<br /><br />People around me enjoy violent sports...I don't.<br /><br />I read literature, listen to a vast array of music including world, classical, jazz, blues, rock and pop and have an enviable music library and good quality speakers to do these artists justice.<br /><br />Within my modest means I collect original art and pottery and get much pleasure from this.<br /><br />I don't have cable. I love movies, in particular French and other European films and those from South America.<br /><br />I support the arts.<br /><br />I do NOT pretend to like these things...I came out of the womb like this. My sisters and brothers each have their own tastes which include reality TV and junk food. We respect each others choices.<br /><br />Have the intellectual fortitude to appreciate what you really like and the courage to live your own life. Why look for ways to not look snobby?<br /><br />Respect others and do your own thing. Imagine the courage it takes for an author to put their thoughts on paper, for a musician to share their notes and lyrics with the world, for a painter to show their work in a world that has already produced Vermeer and Rembrandt. An actor has to perform a play and then stand and wait for the applause.<br /><br />The least we can do is to be genuine and forthright about what we ourselves appreciate.Evalinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12820455386922167585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-57613319727018185312015-02-25T07:24:34.000-08:002015-02-25T07:24:34.000-08:00Great ideas. I'm also enjoying reading other i...Great ideas. I'm also enjoying reading other ideas in the comments. karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10950871458348466377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-41939742601907974542015-02-24T19:27:29.015-08:002015-02-24T19:27:29.015-08:00This is simply wonderful and I'll be sharing y...This is simply wonderful and I'll be sharing your video. You've given such inspiring ways to infuse the arts within our homes and outside in the world.<br /><br />Your title reminds me of the late comedian and intellectual, Steve Allen, who wrote a booked titled "Dumbth: The Lost Art of Thinking With 101 Ways to Reason Better & Improve Your Mind," and here's his definition for Dumbth (pron. dum<br />-th) adj: a tendency toward muddleheadedness, or willful stupidity appearing in all segments of American life.<br /><br />I saw this on Amazon and smiled as it was so relevant to your topic.<br /><br />Thank you, Jennifer.Vicki Zimmermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11637208825504359610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-62317382633514638612015-02-24T16:08:03.918-08:002015-02-24T16:08:03.918-08:00If you are afraid to seem pretentious then approac...If you are afraid to seem pretentious then approach everything from the point of view of a student. For instance, I don't know anything about jazz or classical music or paintings but I would like to. Read about it, try out some CDs from the library, visit galleries, let your curiosity guide you. Ask questions from people who know more than you do. There's nothing pretentious about that. <br /><br />The most exciting thing about this post is the idea of taking charge of your own education even when you are already out of school. chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02652005358388190177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-22165158686157543402015-02-24T15:59:42.966-08:002015-02-24T15:59:42.966-08:00Everyone raises some good points. And it feels lik...Everyone raises some good points. And it feels like a shame that we do not do more to access the accumulated human marvels of art and literature and music. Let's just not forget to balance it out and to be open-minded to the rest of entertainment being offered out there. <br /><br />As long as we bring passion and true engagement to whatever we consume, then our choices are valid, and should be respected. (And even when it's not. I do think we need both mindfulness and mindlessness in our lives, like the balance of energy and rest, work and play, new and old, the exciting and the comfortable.)<br /><br />It is good to venture out of our comfort zones. But to find something you love wholeheartedly is a gift, no matter how high-brow or low-brow that is considered. <br /><br />And I guess we could do with more challenging intellectual stimulation and we need to push ourselves and maybe push back against the things in culture that we dislike... but let's just try to avoid the snobbery that could lead to. I'm more interested in getting everyone to participate in culture, no matter what kind. From making music, art or literature, to getting involved in your community and fighting for change in your little corner of the world.<br /><br />(I hope I made sense here. I did love everyone's examples and experiences. But as a lit major, I have to admit I still love sci fi and fantasy books more than I do most classics. I did read when I was younger a wise piece of advice from Susan Cooper to bring your kids to the theatre and I tried to do that for my younger siblings. At a certain point, though, kids grow up and you have to let them make their own choices, be it clothes or music or even whether they read or not. So the window of exposure and parental influence is smaller than we think. Haha.)chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02652005358388190177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682312585713348709.post-65588800766328028252015-02-24T15:43:23.914-08:002015-02-24T15:43:23.914-08:00I completely agree with the importance of learning...I completely agree with the importance of learning and not being dumbed down. However, any suggestions on how to do this without feeling and sounding pretentious? My family and friends already think I'm a little nuts that I actually enjoy reading.Meredithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06679225389317500393noreply@blogger.com