Sinister: No time listening to B&S could ever be considered wasted

[McQuain, Chris]

Justin W. asked:

>>So,  consequently, when I listen to music, I get nothing done, and I
listen to 
music A LOT. When I watch TV, read, or amuse myself with frivolties, I 
usually am consciously aware that I am distracting myself from reality, but 
with music am I somehow subconsciously validating it because it has the 
ability to make one transcend reality without realizing it? <<


          This is the way I look at it: Your body needs food and water to
survive, but your mind and your heart need stimulation, too. I think too
many people worry about the "reality" of being productive, keeping the
capitalist machine going, too much, and actually don't pay ENOUGH attention
to art (music, films, books etc).  The question is; what are one's
priorities? Is ART the distraction, or is mundane, mediocre "reality" what
really distracts us from attempting true passion in life? And even if art IS
the distraction, don't we need one from the oppressive boredom of our
workaday routines? 

The only reason anybody should ever feel guilty about spending too much time
on music etc. is if it's hindering you from reaching your own goals you've
set for yourself, not society's goals for you to be "productive" and make
the boss some more money. If you consider that John and Jane Q. Public spend
a combined 6-8 hours per day watching drivel on television, a couple hours
spent with your records is nothing, and DOES contribute something valuable. 

(Far too) sincerely-

-Noam Chomsky aka CMcQ  :)  :)  


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