The Eye Of The Beholder

I remember one of my favorite Twilight Zone Episodes, The Eye Of The Beholder, where this woman was in the hospital; you know the one, her face covered, to see if the result of her umpteenth surgery was finally successful. And I wondered, as I listened to the vicious unflattering remarks made by Howard Stern and his sidekick, Robin Quivers regarding the incredibly talented Gabby , have we as a human race learned anything? Have we become so profoundly advanced in our technological developments that we have lost the ability to have an ounce of compassion for another human being? Have we gone to a point to see how viciously far we can go?

In wonderment, I ask the question: How is it possible to issue a verdict regarding the success of one's future career based on how they look? Not everyone in this life sucks on celery sticks and obsesses about gaining half a pound or plastic surgeries that make them look as emotionless as the old Clutch Cargo cartoons back in the 60s.

The problem is, we get so used to focusing on the unreal, that we can't accept what's real and end up needing the ultimate reality check. When that reality check comes in the presence of a young woman who doesn't fit the mold for the Hollywood black woman (light skin, light eyes and somewhat Europeanized features) everyone seems to be caught off guard. Its Gabby's self-confidence and self assurance that is stunning, because she seems to have more of it than most of Hollywood's "norm". We know that we won't be seeing Ms. Sidibe on Dr. Drew!

The message that the haters are giving is, "we are going to shake your self confidence and self esteem. We want to make you feel bad about who you are." Granted, there are weight issues, but tell her something that she doesn't already know, as evidenced from the interviews I have heard from the young best actress Oscar nominee. The problem is that Stern and his sidekick represent those who judge people by appearances. The problem with that type of character assessment may mean losing out on knowing a quality human being.

I'll never tell anyone that they can't accomplish anything. I have never accepted such an ideology for myself. I always say "go for it", because I want to look back one day and smile to remember when that person shared their idea. It feels wonderful to see where they took it. The positives that come out of all these negative projections of image and "can't do" is that it has given people hope where they may not been able to see their way through to completing a goal.Just look at Ms Ruby!

Now if Stern and Quivers can predict what Gabby's future may or may not be, they may be able to predict the lottery numbers or where our world will be in 10 years to the finest common denominator. It may even work for them if they see where they are down the road and what turn their careers may take.

The funny thing about life is, we really don't have all the answers and just don't know what really lies ahead which is why we incorporate faith and good will to those pursuing their goals for a positive result. I certainly hope for their sakes that Ms.Sidibe doesn't somehow through fate become the anchor on their lifeboats. You never know.

If we gave in to all the doubters out there, we wouldn't have some of the most incredible creations and inventions that we enjoy, because the persons who came up with the ideas may have decided to give up due to someone else, insecure within themselves having no faith. It takes faith to pursue goals, accomplish dreams and pave the road to personal pursuits.

I remember a poem by Edgar A. Guest that I learned back in 3^rd grade, never forgotten and chosen to live by:

It Couldn't Be Done

Somebody said that it couldn't be done,

But he with a chuckle replied

That "maybe it couldn't," but he would be one

Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.

So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin

On his face. If he worried he hid it.

He started to sing as he tackled the thing

That couldn't be done, and he did it.

Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that;

At least no one ever has done it";

But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,

And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.

With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,

Without any doubting or quiddit,

He started to sing as he tackled the thing

That couldn't be done, and he did it.

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,

There are thousands to prophesy failure;

There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,

The dangers that wait to assail you.

But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,

Just take off your coat and go to it;

Just start to sing as you tackle the thing

That "cannot be done," and you'll do it.