Geeky Chic

I am in a hurry because my parents are picking me up for the airport in less than an hour, and I still need to pack and pick up my skirt from the dry cleaners to wear to tomorrow’s ceremony.  So, here are my abbreviated thoughts:

1. I was obligated to go to a charity concert last night, where the China Disabled People’s Art Troupe performed.  I can’t decide if it was exploitative and a form of propaganda (the PRC government essentially announcing, “Look we’re humane, see we don’t let the disabled fall by the wayside if they have talent.”  While the reality is that these performers have the same cosmic lottery ticket as those tiny gymnasts, out the millions, 10 were picked out for a better life), or if it was a celebration of people overcoming their disabilities (the money from the event went to two local organizations which do a lot for the disabled).  Asides from this question, parts of the concert felt surreal, in particular a dance routine led by a principal dancer who lost both arms from an electric shock at age 5 (during the dance, the man would use his feet to hold a cloth to wipe his forehead, and spin a giant straw hat upon his head).  My comment  was, “Wow, this makes me feel as though I am in some sort of giant, live South Park episode.”  In the end, I was fuming because the performance ran for 3 hours without an intermission.
   
2. On 6th Street, I saw a sign that said, “Reagan Rot in Hell.”  I personally have no bad feeling for the man, and the coverage in the wake of his death actually reminded me that he was a very charismatic and eloquent man, a true performer.  The thought that has occupied my mind, however, is that Reagan seems tarnished by the types of people who claim him as their idol.  The narrow-mindedness of people (I’m speaking about the caustic Rush Limbaugh types, and the the cut taxes and shrink government at all-costs Norquist types) seem to weigh Reagan down.  An opposite example of this effect is how the people rallying around Howard Stern, following his FCC and Clear Channel woes, have elevated him, and made him appear less distasteful.  Ira Glass’s halo is indeed brightening Mr. Stern.