The Most Uplifting Video You Will Ever See

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by PeppyGPhiB

By giving it so many headlines, the media is essentially saying, "This unattractive woman proved everyone wrong by singing beautifully," to which our response SHOULD be, "Duh, so what? That's not news...I know plenty of people who can sing," but instead we're all saying, "Who would've guessed?! She sure showed them!" The story is uplifting, but the reason why it is so uplifting is the problem.

I see what you're saying, and to a point I agree. I think where I disagree is that I'm basically unwilling to assume that "who would have guessed" is what we're all saying. Some, yes (including the press, I fear), but I simply can't believe it's all of us. It's not what I'm saying.

I'm saying "what a wonderful reminder that our culture is wrong when it encourages us to judge people based on looks and other things that shouldn't matter, which it does so pervasively, and that we fall for that encouragement to our peril." And (literally the first thought I had watching it), "what a wonderful reminder that none of us should give up on our dreams." She's my age. It was the first thing I said to my wife after watching it -- "Maybe I shouldn't treat myself like I'm crazy for thinking I could write a book at my age."

Bear with me for a minute. I'm going to get all personal, sentimental, idealistic, spiritual and (since this is GreekChat) fraternal here. I've thought a lot since I posted last about why this video has moved me so, and here's what I've thought about.

All fraternities and sororities have values and principles that matter to them and that their members try to live by. Obviously, for Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, those values center in many ways on music. But not just on music as a job (which it's not for me or many of my brothers) or as a diversion or the like. At the core of our principles -- what makes us the brotherhood that means so much to me and so many of us -- is the firm belief that music is more than just something that adds fun to life. It's a potent force -- a very potent force -- that has the power to enrich the human spirit beyond measure, to turn hearts and to change lives. We believe that it is our role, our duty and privilege, to use that power for the uplift not only of ourselves and our brotherhood, but of humankind. That is why our national philanthropy has nothing to do with raising money or awareness (as very valuable and important as those things are), but instead requires us to give of ourselves in making music for those in hospitals, nursing homes and the like. The firm belief in the power of music is very real to me.

When I watch the video and listen to her sing, I hear two things: First, I hear a woman who found music and singing as a way to cope with the bullying and rejection she received as a child, for whom music became a balm and a refuge, or in the words of The Herald column, a life boat. I hear a woman whose life has been changed and enriched immeasurably by her music. I hear a woman who has found an anchor in her singing.

And second, I hear in her voice, in her singing, an invitation to be lifted up myself: to reject cynicism and prejudgmentalism and preconceived ideas of beauty, to let my heart be turned and instead witness and value true Beauty.

Too many in the press may be playing this like a "who'da thunk she could sing like that." Some viewers well may share that view. I think many, though, love cheering the underdog on and seeing the underdog triumph and think that if that underdog did it, maybe they can as well.

And I'm enough of an idealist that I just have to think that I'm not the only one who sees and hears in that video the power of music to change lives, to call us to our better selves and to invite us to learn and celebrate what true Beauty is.

[/idealism and sentimentality]

ETA: I just found this at The Daily Record in Scotland. Apparently, the paper has a copy of a 1000 CD-for-charity release in 1999. Assuming it's the real thing, click here to hear Susan Boyle sing "Cry Me a River." (The real Cry Me a River," not the Justin Timberlake mess. )