by Karen Aney (Contributer) – Email
While participating in literary and artistic events in our community, I am frequently saddened by the poor representation of the younger generation. We study the “greats” in our English classes, yet given the opportunity to see one in person, so few take advantage of it. On Friday, February 11, I had the pleasure of seeing two events with Michael McClure, a member of the beat poet generation and the last living beat poet. This guy isn’t some unknown – he’s frequently referred to in Jack Kerouac’s works, and has written with artist such as the Doors and Janis Joplin.
The first event of the day was a screening of a documentary on the life of McClure. Entitled Abstract Alchemist of Flesh, the documentary, which was filmed by Colin Still, beautifully outlines McClure’s life and work. The film was introduced by McClure, and afterward he led a discussion about it with the attendees. To sum it up – for people of our generation, this was probably a once-in-a-lifetime event. However, there were only three young students in attendance, and all were from UFV. It was held in the Simon Fraser University’s Burnaby campus library, but the student body of SFU didn’t show up. Three is better than none, I suppose – keep on keeping on, UFV arts students.
The fact that a turnout of three students is considered impressive is depressing. This kind of event, the chance to sit cheek to jowl with a member of the beat generation, isn’t exactly common. I understand we all have our priorities, but seriously, doesn’t that take precedence over getting ready to go to Gabby’s for the seventh time this month? Yes, reader, I’m judging you right now. This film screening, as well as the reading in downtown Vancouver later that evening, were both incredibly inspiring; I’m pretty sure I scribbled enough notes to provide for my next hundred creative writing assignments. I can’t imagine what I would have done instead of attending this event – what I would have traded the experience for.
What really worries me is that this indifference is indicative of a general lack of passion in our generation. The entire beat world was born from passion for art above cultural constraints. Is our culture’s aversion to anything subversive quelling the drive to inspiration? If an event of this calibre is so poorly attended by youth, what hope do any of us young artists have? For those of you who aren’t art majors (smart people that you are), you’re not excused from this either. Unless you’re an aspiring Mark Zuckerberg computer type, you’re going to need student support for your programming ventures. Business majors? Unless you’re Paris Hilton, you need people aside from your Daddy to help you form relationships and foster new projects. Networking is key, people.
So, rather than simply lay a big ol’ guilt trip on you, here’s my suggestion: put away the fake eyelashes and self-tanner for one night. Walk around campus and find some posters advertising a local band or fashion show. Attend. Be inspired. Encourage your fellow students to reciprocate. Check through The Cascade for upcoming events if you’re too lazy to look on the walls on your way to class. Let’s build a community for ourselves – our parents aren’t going to do it for us.
