Conformity almost always leads to stifling of Creative expressions (I know,kinda serious) :P

Okay.Its been ages,but whatever. So,I went for a panel debate competition recently,which I eventually won (As usual). This was my favourite speech,so you all have the honour of reading it. Its kinda serious,compared to my previous ones,but here's how it goes-

Edward de Bono had rightly said-“Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way.” And his perceptive quote is the basis of what we are trying to convey today. Good Afternoon to one and all present here. Today, I Psychedelicnut, stand in favor of the proposition that Conformity almost always leads to the stifling of creative expression. Just recently a book written by the Canadian author Robinton Mistry sparked uproar at the Mumbai University, and was removed from the curriculum simply because it did not conform to the ideologies of a certain political party. So how can we say that conformity doesn’t lead to the smothering of creative expression?

A major aspect of conformity is “fitting in” or “running with the pack”. Let’s take the example of M.F Husain. His revolutionary artistic vision was branded as immoral and sacrilegious. He did not ‘conform’ to social and artistic norms and thus was exiled, stifling his creativity. Most people’s individuality and originality is constrained simply because they want to be socially accepted and belong. Many practices, customs and trends have spread like wildfire, due to our herd mentality, and man’s desire to blend in, instead of stand out. This leads to the lack of ideas and ingenuity amongst people.

One is obliged to pretend respect for people and institutions, which one frankly thinks absurd, and live attached to conventions we despise and condemn. Conformity is what leads us to follow a dictated path in life, and there are barely any fields where we can exercise our creative muscles. Formats, rules, schedules, constraints and the norms and customs of society are what shackle us.  I would like to conclude by quoting Robert Frost’s immortal lines- “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all of the difference.”

Are you'll dazzled? ;)
More later,my faithful worshippers.

Confessions of an Empty Page

Ok.Confession time. I have been suffering from an extremely disastrous and hazardous disease, known as Writer's Block. The symptoms include lack of ideas,increase in cynicism and an overdose of emo music.Somehow, I couldn't bring myself to post any of the stuff I was contemplating writing about.Finally, my illness (and guilt)  heightened to such an extent, that I had to write something!! Even if it was an article about flying monkeys or global warming (I know,I was desperate!!).
So whatever.I started my latest post,hoping that some burst of inspiration would strike me, out of the blue.But, alas, my will was broken almost immediately. And that dangerous object that was responsible for stopping me in my tracks was the cursor.Yes, the tiny, stupid, and unattractive cursor. Looking at that blinking thingy, taunting me on that blank page, made my blood boil.It was as though that annoying thing was squealing in an extremely shrill voice, mocking my inability to conjure words magically on the page.After battling with The Evil Cursor (TEC) for a while, I decided to call a truce, and take a break.Turns out, the break lasted 3 days, which were filled with the television blaring, and the sound of pages turning, as I tried in vain, to find an idea, or at least a tiny seed of an idea.
At last, I was all ready to concede defeat at the hands of my mortal enemy TEC. But wait, suddenly, from the sky, there came a voice, that told me to write was I was thinking about. Well Duh, Mr Great Voice,I hadn't thought of that at all *rolls eyes*.But then, I figured, what the hell, and now, here I am, writing what probably is the most pointless article since Newton's Law of Gravity.And you know what, it feels good! Now,TEC works for me, and it isn't getting any sick leave or holidays for a while. I'm back, and here to stay.So expect something good, soon..:) :D

How to Waste Time in the Summer

My dearest mother asked me to write an article on how children should spend their time during their holidays. Though, I'm pretty sure this was not what she had in mind. Nevertheless, here are my guidelines to a productive (NOT) vacation.

1. Sleep late, get up late: Do not, under any circumstance get up before 10 a.m. during the holidays. 10 o'clock is a sacred time for us, since that's when the good shows come on, on t.v. That goes for sleeping late as well, since AWESOME  shows like Dexter are on at that time. Also, if you sleep early you'll be compelled to get up, unless you're a higher mortal, who requires a minimum of 12 hours of sleep everyday, like me.


2. Read an Educational Book: No, I am not talking about a classic like 'Charlotte's Web' or soppy trash like the 'Twilight' series. A real book, as defined by yours truly, is one that does not have a) A whiny heroine
 b) A stereotypical hero c) Gay vampires
I recommend the Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins. Its an AMAZING series, and refreshingly original. Then there's another classic set of books-The Artemis Fowl Series.If you're interested in science, villainous ventures and kick-ass characters that include a spunky fairy and a teenage criminal mastermind, Go for it.
Then there are also the PJ series,Diary of a Wimpy Kid, the unforgettable Harry Potter books,most of Roald Dahl's books and comics like Calvin and Hobbes (The midget Bombshells), Asterix and Obelix (The BEST) and Tintin.
And all the above books are extremely educational. Hunger Games teaches you how not to die; Artemis Fowl gives you handy tips to avoid confrontation with evil fairies and ways to rule the world; Percy Jackson tells you how not to annoy the Gods; Harry Potter is an insightful read on how to split your soul and conquer unimaginable people and/or situations. Need I go on? Even Calvin and Hobbes have a unique perspective on the world.
There's just one clause. You are not to touch sad 'literature' i.e. the Twilight series, since its unbelievably boring and sappy.

3.Listen to Music: Yes, Music. Its rather surprising how much time you can pass listening to music.There's always someone or something new to listen to, whether you're a Rock Supporter, or from the Bubblegum generation. My favourites are John Mayer,Lady GaGa,Paramore, Green Day,Coldplay...the list is endless.


4. Meditative contemplation: Also known as daydreaming. Its actually a lot of fun! You can stare blankly into space and come up with some out of this world situations. You could plan a bank robbery, rule the world, become rich and famous, go to the moon, all,while sitting quietly in your room. It has the added advantage of making you seem spiritually inclined, and prevents your parents from giving you any chores, since they're probably thanking the Almighty that you're not yelling/fighting/whining/at the computer.

5. Google: There's nothing like Googling random things to make your day.Try googling stuff like 'Blah' or 'supercalifragilisticexpialidocious'. The results are pretty impressive.Did you know that 'supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' means "Atoning for educability through delicate beauty? All this googling can also be passed off as 'research'.Also, the Google zeitgeist is quite interesting....

6. Go out with your friends: If you have followed atleast 3 of the above instructions, I'm sure your parents won't mind giving you a day off, to hang out with your friends. Further instructions in this field is just unnecessary..:P

7. Read this blog: Do I have to elaborate?

Books that have Shaped My World-Part 1: The Awesomeness of Percy Jackson

The Percy Jackson Series is the most hallowed name in the world of books currently.It might even be as popular as the Harry Potter series,and that is saying a LOT.These books, were the ones that made my obsession with Greek Mythology seem less weird, and changed my status from being  a 'Greek Nerd' to being the new 'Storytelling Whiz'.It changed everyone's perspective about epics, in a non-preachy and extremely humorous way, while maintaining a very entertaining and gripping facade.The series revolves around Percy who discovers he is a powerful demi-god(half mortal,half god) and that the Gods of lore are alive and kicking in the modern world.He is taken to Camp Half-Blood, a place for 'special' children like him, where he is claimed by his Godly parent Poseidon. He is consequently sent on perilous quests to kill monsters, recover mystical objects,save friends and enemies,appease a wide range of Gods,save the world,yadda,yadda,yadda.
Its all in a day's work.

The protagonist of the books-Percy Jackson (Duh!)- is not a stereotypical hero.He is not charming or suave,neither is he rich or famous.He is not super-strong or arrogant like Hercules,but his grit and determination is to be envied.He discovers that he is the son of the Greek God of the Sea-Poseidon, which he is not exactly thrilled about,since it means that everyone with even the hint of power either hates him,wants to kill him or is in awe of him.Throughout the series, he battles monsters,gods,Titans and his inner demons.At the risk of sounding parrot like, the books remind us that being true to ourselves is the only way to succeed in life.

On the lighter side, the books are filled with extremely witty jokes,that do not fall flat.They also emphasize on the fact that no one, from the Gods or puny mortals, is infallible.The characters are extremely lovable,ranging from the sensible and cunning Annabeth Chase,who takes after her mother Athena,the Goddess of Wisdom,to Thalia Grace,Daughter of Zeus,who embodies Punk Rock.Rick Riordan manages to capture the magic of myths in an extremely zany and unforgettable way.There is not a single dull moment throughout the books,nor does it have vampires,and that is a wonder in itself. Another fact that makes PJ an EXCELLENT read is that the style of writing is extremely casual and informal, which is a great relief.There are some pretty bizarre situations in the books, that are laugh out loud crazy and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
All in all, this series cannot be dismissed as boring, cause it makes you sit up and take notice!
Definitely my All-Time Favourite! :D

Making Small Talk

Let me start by introducing myself.I am AWESOME.And yes, I do watch How I Met Your Mother.Being totally and utterly bored during my summer,I have devised a new way to pass my time.Blogging.I wanted to get around to this for a loooong time, and now I finally have made an effort.And you, the reader will be on the receiving end of my tirades on books,movies,people and almost anything I feel like talking about.
I'm new to this whole thing,but I'm going to do my best. :)
So, I hope you enjoy a 13 year old's views on the world ;)