Leave John Mayer Alone

You'll have to forgive me. I recently had exploratory surgery, and the pain pills have deadened the neurons responsible for wit and humor. I've become a bit more pensive in these Vicodin-laced hours, and have gotten a particular topic on my mind. Every morning I listen to a morning radio talk show, and they began discussing the latest John Mayer article in Rolling Stone magazine. There was no intellectual conversation about what his message in the article was, only a glorification of the handsomely packaged, ready for mass distribution, conceptualized "John Mayer." As they were postulating on his motives, insecurities, love life, etc., I couldn't help but to find myself a little disconcerted about the whole thing.

While there are many recording artists and movie stars who are truly improving the world (John Mayer included), there are three times as many artists who are more of a detriment to society. Unfortunately, we turn to both types of artist as role models. Why is it that so many of us automatically make the assumption that these stars are life gurus? Regardless of their nature, the rich and famous are not leading normal lives. They are leading an exceptional life; one that most of us will never have, yet we time and again place them on pedestals and judge our successes and failures on the unobtainable.

While we all share common archetypal themes, I dare say most artists are no longer in touch with the real world. They have become caught up in the excesses that come with fame, and forget the plight of the common man. Come to my mental health clinic one day and see the excesses of the common man... the excess of poverty, the excess of desperation, the excess of hopelessness. It definitely puts things into perspective, such as what's more important? Having a roof over your head, or theorizing why one millionaire broke up with his millionaire girlfriend?

I guess what I'm trying to say (very inarticulately) is no one life should be viewed as more important than another. We don't need to know the inner workings of John Mayer's conscience, or every detail of every move he makes. Leave the artists to create their art, and measure your failures and successes by your own abilities.