Dear Readers,
In staying up-to-date with my favorite bands, I came across this interesting story.
Apparently, a music venue in Nashville has booked my favorite metal band, The Black Dahlia Murder. Good for them, I say! I saw this act a few weeks ago when it rumbled through Chicago, and it was amazing, as usual. So what's the big deal? Oh, right. Rocketown is a Christian youth hangout. I'm sure the brutal, pummeling, shrieking songs about necrophilia, suicide, and blood-soaked battlefields will fit right in. Oops!
As great admirer of both The Black Dahlia Murder and the First Amendment of our Constitution's Bill of Rights, I am more than happy to comment on this.
First, I want to make one thing clear. When I read this article, the last thing on my mind is the grave and menacing threat that the band poses to society. They are not Satan-worshippers. No, they don't actually have sex with corpses. Nor do they encourage their fans to commit suicide or shoot people or even to stop brushing their teeth. Not an ounce of their content contains any trace of explicitly or even implicitly harmful messages to any average adult.
So, if they're not actually maniacal Satan-worshiping killers, then what is the real issue here? Well, there's three interesting fronts: the business side, the parenting side, and good old freedom of speech.
First, it sounds like a pretty shady move on part of Rocketown. The majority of its customers seem to think that it is a Christian venue, but Rocketown disagrees. But, if they booked only Christian acts and made themselves the clean, safe teenage hangout spot, then they need to man up to the identity they made for themselves. Instead, they had an opportunity to book a great act that would bring a huge, energetic crowd full of new customers. So, they made a shrewd business decision at the expense of their customer base - their Christian community. However, if this booking is actually not inconsistent with past shows at Rocketown, and this is simply a small contingent of parents that don't like the bands, then there's no reason that the show should be prevented.
Second, should that concerned father let his 16 year-old son get into The Black Dahlia Murder? Probably not now. But not because TBDM are evil and likely lead his son down a bad road. Rather, it is because the father already has bigger issues to worry about, like why he thinks censoring is a healthy form of discipline. More harm can potentially be inflicted when a young man's most involved and respected mentor becomes intolerant and restrictive about something in which he is genuinely interested. If this boy hears something that he likes, and his father tells him it is evil and bad, then, in essence, the son is being told that there is something wrong with his tastes. After all, he likes evil and bad things! So there must be something wrong with him, right? No. This connection is faulty, and so censoring without discussion is equally faulty.
You see, music is a matter of taste that is best left to an individual's discretion. Being a good Christian, on the other hand, is a matter of values, and is best developed through loving and cooperative instruction. If you are a parent and your kid wants to listen to something you don't like, then I feel for you. It is a difficult situation, and it will require unpleasantness on your part. But, you can't just scold and restrict. Rather, you need to face it directly, with compassion and understanding. By censoring potentially offensive content in order to avoid uncomfortable conversations, one only serves to shut the door to open, healthy communication.
Finally, I politely disagree with anyone who believe that this band is evil or can cause direct harm with their act. In fact, I am happy to know that I have no right to do anything *but* politely disagree. I take both pride and solace in this basic right that our country gives us. My education afforded me a firm grasp on two things: art is a matter of intellectual and aesthetic taste, and understanding and accepting freedom of speech is a skill that takes practice and patience. So, if these guys aren't inciting riots with their words, then there's no reason why they should be censored. And, luckily, they're not.
Here's what you do have in the Black Dahlia Murder. In broad daylight, this band are 5 nerdy white guys from Detroit who play loud, fast, insane music that appeals to very few people and that represents a musical genre whose biggest exposure came in a Jim Carey flick. They play video games, fart on each other, get goofy tattoos on a whim, consume staggering amounts of alcohol, marijuana, and junk food, have a blast whenever they can. They make music videos in bowling alleys and parking lots in Las Vegas. They are jolly, sweaty, wacky men-children.
Peel these stinky, yet harmless, onion layers back, and you find a group of gifted, dedicated artists who deeply love and appreciate their craft, work hard day in and day out to cultivate their exceptional (read: ungodly and .001% of population) talents, and are committed to delivering their craft to fans who actually appreciate them for their art. Count me in as one of those fans.
Until next time,
Your Metal-Loving Freedom Fighter,
Kevin
Monday, October 26, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
A post-race story
I had just finished the marathon. I was super sweaty, walking like a rusty tin man, physically and mentally exhausted. I hobbled two blocks to go pick up the bag I had checked before the race. As I was waiting, another race finisher walked up to me and said "Congratulations! Go Team!" He was a thirty-something man who was also wearing the TNT purple shirt. I was used to hearing this; throughout the entire race, there were lots of people who recognized my shirt and shouted very encouraging things to me. It felt great.
So, I wearily look up and thank this gentleman for his support. Without hesitation or a blink of an eye, he responded "No, thank you for saving my daughter." He smiled, and he walked away. I was stunned.
Maybe it was the exhaustion and emotion of having just completed a marathon, but I just about doubled over at that point. The enormity of my accomplishment had snuck up on me and hit me square in the gut at precisely that moment. I'll never forget it as long as I live.
So, I wearily look up and thank this gentleman for his support. Without hesitation or a blink of an eye, he responded "No, thank you for saving my daughter." He smiled, and he walked away. I was stunned.
Maybe it was the exhaustion and emotion of having just completed a marathon, but I just about doubled over at that point. The enormity of my accomplishment had snuck up on me and hit me square in the gut at precisely that moment. I'll never forget it as long as I live.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
VICTORY!!
Dear Readers,
It is my great pleasure and honor to inform you that I am officially a marathon finisher! On Sunday, October 11, I completed the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in a time of 4:30'51" and placed 18,860th out of 33,608 finishers.
I kept a steady pace of about 10 minutes for all 26.2 miles. In fact, my first mile was 10'30", and my final mile clocked in under 10 minutes. Had I not stopped to use a Port-O-Let during my twenty-second mile, I would have finished in under 4 hours, 25 minutes*. Needless to say, I am thrilled with these results!
Furthermore, I am relieved to report that I finished the race without injury. Yes, my toe and knees and hamstrings that had so often threatened me throughout training were obedient and resilient through 26.2 miles.
I am very sorry to say that the Verizon-sponsored runner tracking notifications were a major disappointment. Everyone I talked to that signed up has told me that either no notifications were sent, or that only one very late notification was sent. If you were worried that perhaps I did not finish, please rest easy - I kicked butt all over the Windy City, mile after mile, for 26.2 miles, through twenty-nine different neighborhoods. My only regret is that you could not share in this excitement in the form of periodic text messages and emails.
But never fear! There are photos! Click here to view a short photo album taken from the sideline at various points along the course. My thanks to Kat for the awesome photos and even greater moral support!
I plan on writing more about my marathon experience, but for now, I would like to just say an enormous THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me in any form over the past 6 months. Your kind words and helpful advice meant so much to me.
Finally, I'd like to give special thanks to each and every person who contributed to my fundraising efforts for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. With your help, I have raised over $1,450 for an organization that will use it for tremendous good.
Victoriously,
Your 18,860th Place Finisher,
Kevin
*For the record, I have no regrets about the pit stop. After over 3 and a half hours of constant hydration, it was a necessary measure.
It is my great pleasure and honor to inform you that I am officially a marathon finisher! On Sunday, October 11, I completed the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in a time of 4:30'51" and placed 18,860th out of 33,608 finishers.
I kept a steady pace of about 10 minutes for all 26.2 miles. In fact, my first mile was 10'30", and my final mile clocked in under 10 minutes. Had I not stopped to use a Port-O-Let during my twenty-second mile, I would have finished in under 4 hours, 25 minutes*. Needless to say, I am thrilled with these results!
Furthermore, I am relieved to report that I finished the race without injury. Yes, my toe and knees and hamstrings that had so often threatened me throughout training were obedient and resilient through 26.2 miles.
I am very sorry to say that the Verizon-sponsored runner tracking notifications were a major disappointment. Everyone I talked to that signed up has told me that either no notifications were sent, or that only one very late notification was sent. If you were worried that perhaps I did not finish, please rest easy - I kicked butt all over the Windy City, mile after mile, for 26.2 miles, through twenty-nine different neighborhoods. My only regret is that you could not share in this excitement in the form of periodic text messages and emails.
But never fear! There are photos! Click here to view a short photo album taken from the sideline at various points along the course. My thanks to Kat for the awesome photos and even greater moral support!
I plan on writing more about my marathon experience, but for now, I would like to just say an enormous THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me in any form over the past 6 months. Your kind words and helpful advice meant so much to me.
Finally, I'd like to give special thanks to each and every person who contributed to my fundraising efforts for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. With your help, I have raised over $1,450 for an organization that will use it for tremendous good.
Victoriously,
Your 18,860th Place Finisher,
Kevin
*For the record, I have no regrets about the pit stop. After over 3 and a half hours of constant hydration, it was a necessary measure.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Running Update #6
Dear Readers,
Important update! If you read any of this post, read this next paragraph:
If you would like to know how my race is going as I am running it, you can sign up at this website. There, you can elect to have a text message or an email notification when I cross the following checkpoints: Starting Line, 10K (6.2mi), 13.1mi, 30K (18.6mi), and Finish Line. THIS IS COMPLETELY FREE (other than your normal texting fees) and all you need to do is sign in using an email address. Enter your mobile number or email address at which you'd prefer to get the update, and make sure to enter my name: Kevin Franke. If you know anyone else that is running, you can get updates for them, too. Again, click here to track my progress during the race!
Marathon: T-minus 5 days. Wow. I am really approaching freak out time. For a week or two, it's simply been a low, ominous feeling of doom, but now it is materializing itself rather nicely into a very real and very legitimate menace to my poor, defenseless body and mind.
Of course, I'm being dramatic. But, as throughout the entire training process, worry has been my biggest enemy. And I always feel I have something to worry about. Especially now - my right knee is clicking all the time, my right foot arch is very tender and sore, my left hip flexor is pinched, and the ligaments along the back of both of my knees are constantly tightening up. Yeah, I don't like it. I fear that *something* is going crap out during the race - and I don't know how I'm going to handle that.
So, I guess the way to handle it is to not worry about it, stretch the best I can every day, go to physical therapy this week, and just go for it! I will be equipped with plentiful ibuprofen before and during the run, I will have food and water, and thousands upon thousands of people surrounding me. Let's all keep our fingers crossed!
Oh, let's all keep our fingers crossed for Kat to get well soon. Yesterday, she came down with either a real nasty cold or the flu. She's right in the thick of the "super icky" part of being sick. It totally sucks, and I'm not even sick like she is.
Come to think of it, I'd really like to keep it that way. Running the marathon on Sunday with the flu does not sound appealing to me.
Finally, Dear Readers, I would like to remind you that I am still raising funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (donate here). If you have wanted to donate, but haven't had a chance, the time is now. I would love to know that I have reached my fundraising goal by race day - it would be a great source of inspiration and motivation for me during the race, and, at the very least, one less thing to worry about. You know, because I tend to worry excessively. Excessively.
A lot.
Until next time, Dear Readers,
Your Chronically Worrisome Boy,
Kevin
Important update! If you read any of this post, read this next paragraph:
If you would like to know how my race is going as I am running it, you can sign up at this website. There, you can elect to have a text message or an email notification when I cross the following checkpoints: Starting Line, 10K (6.2mi), 13.1mi, 30K (18.6mi), and Finish Line. THIS IS COMPLETELY FREE (other than your normal texting fees) and all you need to do is sign in using an email address. Enter your mobile number or email address at which you'd prefer to get the update, and make sure to enter my name: Kevin Franke. If you know anyone else that is running, you can get updates for them, too. Again, click here to track my progress during the race!
Marathon: T-minus 5 days. Wow. I am really approaching freak out time. For a week or two, it's simply been a low, ominous feeling of doom, but now it is materializing itself rather nicely into a very real and very legitimate menace to my poor, defenseless body and mind.
Of course, I'm being dramatic. But, as throughout the entire training process, worry has been my biggest enemy. And I always feel I have something to worry about. Especially now - my right knee is clicking all the time, my right foot arch is very tender and sore, my left hip flexor is pinched, and the ligaments along the back of both of my knees are constantly tightening up. Yeah, I don't like it. I fear that *something* is going crap out during the race - and I don't know how I'm going to handle that.
So, I guess the way to handle it is to not worry about it, stretch the best I can every day, go to physical therapy this week, and just go for it! I will be equipped with plentiful ibuprofen before and during the run, I will have food and water, and thousands upon thousands of people surrounding me. Let's all keep our fingers crossed!
Oh, let's all keep our fingers crossed for Kat to get well soon. Yesterday, she came down with either a real nasty cold or the flu. She's right in the thick of the "super icky" part of being sick. It totally sucks, and I'm not even sick like she is.
Come to think of it, I'd really like to keep it that way. Running the marathon on Sunday with the flu does not sound appealing to me.
Finally, Dear Readers, I would like to remind you that I am still raising funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (donate here). If you have wanted to donate, but haven't had a chance, the time is now. I would love to know that I have reached my fundraising goal by race day - it would be a great source of inspiration and motivation for me during the race, and, at the very least, one less thing to worry about. You know, because I tend to worry excessively. Excessively.
A lot.
Until next time, Dear Readers,
Your Chronically Worrisome Boy,
Kevin
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Running Update #5
Dear Readers,
A HUGE THANK YOU to EVERYONE who has donated to my cause so far! I have raised over $1,000 and I am so grateful to each and every one of you. I will be personally in touch with each one of you in the coming weeks. It is hard for me to convey just how much I appreciate your support, but seriously - hats off to you! You rock! :-D
But - alas! I am still a ways away from both my fundraising minimum ($1,400) and my ultimate goal of $2,000. If you have taken an interest in my journey since May and thought that you might consider donating, now is a great time to do so. If you have any questions, *please* contact me and I'd be happy to answer them. Here is the link:
Team in Training - Kevin Franke
I will have more information about runner tracking notifications (automatic notifications letting people know when I start, am halfway through, and finish the race) soon.
If you recall, Dear Facebooking Readers, on the first day of September, I declared that I would not shave my beard until at least I had completed the race. Well, I was true to my word. My beard is definitely the biggest it has ever been. It has served as a reminder to stay focused on the race but I'm starting to look pretty weird at work and in classes. My appearance has been likened to such notable long-haired and bearded figures as Jesus and Forrest Gump. I take both as compliments.
To those of you who haven't seen me in a while, here's a ghastly update on my severely neglected physical appearance. To those of you who have seen this in person recently...
I'm sorry.
Until next time,
Your Bearded Boy,
Kevin
A HUGE THANK YOU to EVERYONE who has donated to my cause so far! I have raised over $1,000 and I am so grateful to each and every one of you. I will be personally in touch with each one of you in the coming weeks. It is hard for me to convey just how much I appreciate your support, but seriously - hats off to you! You rock! :-D
But - alas! I am still a ways away from both my fundraising minimum ($1,400) and my ultimate goal of $2,000. If you have taken an interest in my journey since May and thought that you might consider donating, now is a great time to do so. If you have any questions, *please* contact me and I'd be happy to answer them. Here is the link:
Team in Training - Kevin Franke
I will have more information about runner tracking notifications (automatic notifications letting people know when I start, am halfway through, and finish the race) soon.
If you recall, Dear Facebooking Readers, on the first day of September, I declared that I would not shave my beard until at least I had completed the race. Well, I was true to my word. My beard is definitely the biggest it has ever been. It has served as a reminder to stay focused on the race but I'm starting to look pretty weird at work and in classes. My appearance has been likened to such notable long-haired and bearded figures as Jesus and Forrest Gump. I take both as compliments.
To those of you who haven't seen me in a while, here's a ghastly update on my severely neglected physical appearance. To those of you who have seen this in person recently...
I'm sorry.
Until next time,
Your Bearded Boy,
Kevin
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