It seems to me that good art is infinitely adaptable to any set of circumstances, whether in time or space; that it has value regardless of the social conditions that surround it. The plays of Shakespeare have been staged in any number of eras and some of the best interpretations have been the most ‘out there’. Wagner’s Ring Cycle seems to work whether it finds itself in a purely ‘classical’ environment or at the top of a mountain in a power station. The mechanisms of art are truly expressed in a vast selection of interpretations.
So it is with a song such as ‘We Exist’ by Arcade Fire. The band’s video deals with the public acceptance of gender orientation issues, but it could just as easily relate to those with any ‘special’ needs. How do we view those who have differences that we feel uncomfortable with and hold at arms length either inadvertently or out of fear; ie “. . . there but for the grace of God go . . .”.
I was most fortunate to have been part of a very special gathering last night: the book launch of Kara Stanley’s Fallen, a chronicle of life after partner Simon Paradis’ work accident which left him and his family on the horns of an extraordinarily complex dilemma. I must admit to tearing up more than once at her account of Simon’s entry into the world of medical miracle making, but more so at the incredible miracle making of spirit and strength which has borne them through the past seven years, resulting in a renewed commitment to life and a shining example to all of us.
It seems to me that we must continue to embrace fellow members of our community who are undergoing radical changes and exercise patience as they battle through these changes. Most of all we need to educate ourselves to better understand they are not ‘different’, but that they have ‘differences’. I am not a close friend of the family by any means but last night I felt I was pulled even closer into their web of community.
This is not a usual blog for me. You know that. I invariably rant on about issues that drive us a little mad, and for these the ranting is a rallying cry of change over things we do not wish to accept. Kara Stanley’s Fallen has captivated my interest. I will admit that I have yet to read the book beyond a snippet here and there; but I will, and expect to hear more from me about this wonderful story in the near future.
Fallen is published by Greystone Books in Canada and is locally available at Talewind Books in Sechelt.
