Virginia Press Journal Entry 3 - On Self-Determined Meaning and Gypsy; a Musical Fable

 My current work on the Theater CNU production of Gypsy has brought me further reflection on my previous journal entry. I've recognized a fault in the proverb of "Do whatever you want," that while obvious, merits explanation. 

Rose in Gypsy has allowed her self-determined meaning, her all-encompassing dream of stardom to become a selfish obsession rather than a selfless one. In fact, she harms a lot of people. People are quite harmed. The beauty of the Hero's Journey is that it leaves one stripped of ego and self importance; however, clearly this selflessness is not a prerequisite to the realization of self-determination. Straightforward focus on a goal without consideration for the means and collateral is not a very enlightened way to conduct one's self. 

Let's take that magical plane back to reality for a moment. You and I will never again exist in a primordial state. We do not straddle the line between the living and dead and we will not be overcoming our inevitable demise. We exist as mortal beings cultivated within social structures and trained to utilize certain models to view and understand the world. As such, the people around us create meaning for us as much as we create meaning for ourselves. When we ourselves make meaning, it is vital that our connections to others and valuation of that relationship be considered in determining our goals. Rose fails to consider the value and autonomy of the people in her life and tramples them in pursuit of a goal. 

As far as being a mythical story goes, Rose fails to overcome her selfish focus all the way through the end. After two hours of being pushy, selfish, and single minded, right at the end she sings a number about how she never gets what she wants and how she is going to get mean and pushy and get what she always wanted. As stated above, she couldn't find value in the relationships around her. However, she sings this song of dissatisfaction after she has succeeded in her goal; her daughter is famous. This can show how motivation and means may corrupt one's goals. 

Rose is not a hero. She never went on her journey open to be changed and never confronted herself nor her hangups or flaws. She did not do it truly for the benefit of anyone else, and she did not do it successfully. Rose is a fantastic example of the critical role of empathy, outward focus, and deep connection to the living things around us we discussed in class. 

So remember. You're physically free to do whatever you want, for whatever reason provides you motivation. But. Maybe consider you are a part of the world around you.


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