Specialty Blog 1

As the second half of this week's assignment, I am to select a brief quote on the blues, and comment on its meaning and value. I believe that there are so many ways in which someone can view the meaning of the blues; for this assignment's quote I have selected illustrates my viewpoint:

"The blues is not the creation of a crushed-spirited people. It's the product of a forward-looking upward-striving people." ~Albert Murray

At first glance, the blues is the music of someone who is stuck in despair. But, on closer observation, we notice small shreds of hope shinning through the darkness. We begin to realize that the blues is not the music of misery, but the music of struggle. The Blues is about a human being comming to terms with what has happened in real life. When a tragic event such as the death of a loved one, or the end of a deep relationship occurs, the first step towards healing is realizing that we have just experienced a personal catastrophe. After our realization, we set out on the long trek to recover from our losses. Often this is a daunting task, which requires a spiritual strength and personal courage. The destination of this journey often leads us to a life that we have yet to live. In a sense, once could argue that the blues is the music of someone who's life is about to change, or someone who wishes to change their life.
Not everyone can or will remedy their plight thought. Many people suffer losses that they will never get over. Again, there are many ways in which once can interpret the blues. In fact the genre itself has several subgenres. But in this instance I have chosen to talk about struggle. Throughout history, mankind has glorified the the weaker "underdog" who has chosen to battle something greater than themselves. Weather it is a fictional character like Rocky Balboa, or modern day idols like the New York Giants (challenging the undefeated New England Patriots), we desire to see people who can win battles that are stacked against them. It is for this reason, that I agree with Mr. Murray by saying: "The blues is not the creation of a crushed-spirited people. It's the product of a forward-looking upward-striving people."