Paint Runs Through Her Veins (Unleaded Paint, Of Course)

How can youth be considered as passionate about music and music alone? For Allan Bloom, author of The Closing of the American Mind, to state "(Music) is their passion; nothing else excites them as it does; they cannot take seriously anything alien to music" (Music and Culture, page 36), a major overgeneralization is made. Is this implying that he was passionate solely about music in his youth?

I have quite a few friends who would admit to finding refuge in a variety of activities, from sports to arts. I have friends who will read a book while bathing (something I have never been able to master), sketch constantly on every blank space of paper, and eat, sleep, and breathe soccer. I recall one friend telling me, "I am obsessed with painting and I think I will probably die at an easel." I am convinced that paint runs through her veins (unleaded paint, of course). It seems as though these different hobbies can sometimes swallow lives; they are obviously valued more than music.

I realize that for most of today's youth, or even older generations, music holds a personal and emotional place in lives. Music alone can stir up feelings that are otherwise involuntary in the average activity. A simple song, or even a short lyric, may aid in the recollection of various memories, whether happy or tragic; this power, however, does not ordain music as youth's sole passion.

There can definitely be a link between music and an individual's passion, though. The soccer enthusiast will often tell me that certain songs can pump her up during a practice or amp up her energy before a game. While music can motivate her, her focus and passion is still buried in the sport. My paint-blooded friend will occasionally paint to a particular artist or style of music that coordinates with her current mood. For her, music can often serve as an inspiration, but, by no means, is it her passion. Holding those brushes, displaying those colors, and observing the artwork of others is where her passion bubbles over. Music could be absent from her art completely and she would still find refuge in the canvas.

I would like to consider myself included in the category of "youth", so I suppose it is important to share my passion if it differs from music. While I am not necessarily "passionate" about music, it is still a substantial part of my life. I surround myself with music and definitely will find refuge in it. I sing on a daily basis. I listen to music on a daily basis. I write songs when they come to mind. I enjoy playing the few chords that I know on an acoustic guitar or picking up my violin and just letting my fingers and bow take over. I view these things as different than a passion. I am not necessarily good at any of these pertaining to music, therefore I do not categorize them as my passions; they are simply releases.


My passion is parenting and I love my sons with everything I have to offer. My energy goes into playing with them and providing for them. Granted, I need my fair share of "Mommy Time", but nothing makes me happier than spending time with my two little boys. I work a lot and enjoy it because I know that it is giving me the means to provide for them. My heart and soul goes into my passion, as should anyone's heart and soul be drowned in their passion. Music may be everything to someone, but for others, passions will vary.