Monday, April 20, 2009

Let's Hear It For The Underdogs


Unless you've been on vacation in a very remote and exotic location this past week, I'm sure you've heard of the singing sensation Susan Boyle. Susan is the 47 year old woman from Scotland who wowed the world with her rendition of "I Dream a Dream" from Les Miserables on Britain's Got Talent. Like everyone else I got goosebumps and tears in my eyes when I listened to Susan sing. And I was inspired by her and her spunk. But, that's not really what I want to talk about here.

What really struck me about Susan and this whole situation is the very reason behind WHY the whole world was so surprised by Susan's talent. If Susan had been a beautiful, graceful and poised 47 year old woman, no one would have batted an eye when she sang with that lovely voice. So, why was everyone so shocked when it turned out that frumpy, awkward, misfit Susan could sing like an angel? What is it about human nature that we just assume that people who are a little different can't be accomplished or shouldn't be taken seriously. You have to wonder how many Susan Boyle's are out there right now with a gift to share with the world, who haven't been able to do that simply because no one has ever taken them seriously or given them an opportunity. Or, unlike Susan, maybe they haven't had the courage or gumption to endure the taunts and eye-rolling to stand up and actually prove to the doubting Thomas' what they really can do. So, here's to Susan Boyle and all the other underdogs out there. Hold your heads high and share your talents with the world. Don't be afraid. Take heart. Susan has paved the way for you. And as for me, I am going to be sure that I no longer look past or through people who seem "different". I'm going to go out of my way to smile and say hello. You never know. I might just be giving someone the little bit of encouragement they need to make their mark on the world. At the very least, I will brighten their day. And mine.

Image from Google images

10 comments:

mommakin said...

Well said, as always, Pam! I couldn't be more in agreement if I tried. Her talent is not nearly as shocking as our collective reaction to it. We judge books by their covers...

Anonymous said...

I also agree with your assesment of the entire situation. I am so please for Susan Boyle, her courage is inspiring to all of us. I look forward to the rest of her story yet to be written. Her future, hopefully will be all that she has hoped for.

Colleen

Ms.Emily said...

I loved Susan's voice and was shocked as well!

Its a great outlook on life she has =)

We can all learn from her

Unknown said...

IT is a shame that we look at a person and make assumptions, I admit when I saw her and then heard her voice it was surprising, so I'm not any better than the naysayers. We must work diligently to overcome this type of judgment, and I say........go Susan!
Great topic Pam

Pam said...

Hi Tammy, Colleen, Emily and Anita - You know what I can't help hoping is that Susan (who has never been on a date or kissed) gets her first kiss from some celebrity she is enamored of. How cool would that be. Much better than being kissed in a closet on a dare when you're ten.

nan said...

I think that most of us tend to underestimate how much value that most people place on a person's looks (all physical characteristics...). It's sad, really, and it points to our need to remember to put into practice a value system that doesn't "judge a book by its cover, " don'tcha think?

Pam said...

Nan - yes, I do think? It is definitely something I'm going to be more aware of in myself.

Shelley said...

From the perspective of one of the Non-beautiful people.....
Folks overlook me all the time because I'm not what society would normally associate with a good voice. It's fun to watch their faces when they realize that I am more than the body that I inhabit.
Thanks for the encouragement. It is appreciated.

FranticMommy said...

Well said Pam. Hearing this lady AND seeing her inspires ME. I am thrilled we can have normal people be our inspirations in these tough times. I hope she continues to be seen and heard. we need more people to lift us like like Susan Boyle.

Pam said...

Shelley - I love what you said - "I am more thanthe body that I inhabit". Beautiful!

Mommy - Great observation that we need to have normal people be our inspiration! Well said!

 

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