A 9-Year-Old Punk Rocker Who Rejects the System
Nobody calls out society like an elementary school student in Silver Lake. Plus recs for Tressie McMillan Cottom on tenants unions, Cabel Sasser on Mickey D's, and Esteban Pedraza’s Bogotá Story.
Several weeks ago, we started to see these signs popping up all over our neighborhood.
“Art Show by George [LAST NAME REDACTED]. At [ADDRESS REDACTED]. 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday, October 13th. Live Performance at 4:30 p.m. Tickets [large arrow pointing downwards]. (Give to us at the show).”
Obviously, I took a ticket.
The ticket had no price or details other than the word “in!” written on it. It’s hard to express how small this ticket was. So here is my hand for scale:
On Sunday, at 4:30 p.m., our whole family showed up to George’s house. None of us knew what to expect. On one hand, it looked like a child had drawn the sign. On the other hand, in Los Angeles, it’s always possible that this was some sort of outsider art advertising campaign for a new vape brand. You never know!
Luckily, it was the former and not the latter. George turned out to be an elementary school student who I’m guessing is 9-years-old? He was wearing a leather vest, a spiked metal necklace, and sported long blond hair. Apparently this is the fourth art show he’s done, but the first with a live performance. Also, according to George, “the last one was chaos. All the kids were running around, drawing on the walls. It was out of control.”
George did not enjoy the chaotic event. He prefers his art shows to be a bit more in control. Even though, on a philosophical level, he’s a proponent of anarchism. George is also staunchly anti-capitalist and anti-fascist. I know that because his art is an attack on the system.
I bought one of George’s zines and I hope to one day own an original artwork. I’m saving up for that day. In the meantime, take a look at George’s artist statement. The only thing I’ve done here is blur his last name for privacy. This kid is more revolutionary than Che Guevara and he still goes out to recess. I love Los Angeles.
“I made this art to show the world how society is deeply troubled and needs to be fixed. This art also represents skate punk culture. It is one of the few good things that come from society. But all these good things come from free-thinker fighting back against society, against the grain. This art is also here to question society and all governments. Why do you tell us what to do? Why should we conform? How are you smarter than us? And if you ask these questions, they will have to tell you the truth. And the truth is not what they want you to hear. It is a corrupt system, which leads back to the point: society is corrupt. And after that, the final question is: how do we fix it? This question is hard and has stumped many people, but I have an answer for it. Either anarchy, or humans simply can’t be here. Most people would disagree, but humans have weak minds. That’s how dictators take power. It is the strong minds who are ready. It is the strong minds we need. This is another thing that this art represents. Now… ENJOY THE ART!”
My projects and upcoming events:
TED TALK: How find laughter anywhere - My TED talk is online and free to watch or share. You can check it out it here
PODCAST: How to Be a Better Human (TED/PRX) - Award-winning theater director Lear DeBessonet is no stranger to putting on a professional production. But what gets her really excited, the work that she lives for, is when she gets totally random people onto a stage. What happens when a person who doesn’t think of themselves as creative gets to be a part of something big and weird and fun? It was so fun to talk to Lear about how to make a spectacle in your everyday life. She’s also the first guest who has ever talked on the podcast about being rejected by a giant chicken. Listen to the whole conversation here (or wherever you get podcasts)
This week’s list
GREAT:
Several folks I know are involved with their local tenants unions, so I had a little bit of familiarity with their work. But I hadn’t heard much or read too deeply about it. This piece by the professor (and MacArthur genius) Tressie McMillan Cottom opened my eyes. At at time when housing insecurity, sky high rents, and homelessness sometimes feel impossible to solve, she highlights people doing the work to change the conditions on the ground. What’s Happening in Louisville Could Solve a Housing Crisis
FUNNY:
Cabel Sasser, the founder of Panic and the brain behind Untitled Goose Game, gave this hilarious and incredible talk at the XOXO conference. I wasn’t there in person but I was told I had to watch the entire thing and I’m so glad I did. I don’t want to give too much away because the surprises are a big part of the delight and humor. So I’ll just say, Cabel really, really, really made the most of a road trip pit stop. Cabel Sasser at XOXO 2024
INTERESTING:
Esteban Pedraza, a Colombian filmmaker, recently released a new short film that’s about “the strain a young woman endures when she has to choose between her dreams and her family.” It’s a period piece, set in 1992 Bogotá, and a beautiful, atmospheric little movie. Take 15 minutes and get transported to another place and time: Bogotá Story
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That's it for this week. Thanks for reading! Please share Bright Spots with anyone you think might enjoy it.
Most people would disagree, but humans have weak minds.
Chris Duffy
This has been Bright Spots, a newsletter.
…wait, who are you?
I'm Chris Duffy, a comedian, TV writer, podcast host, and both a former fifth grade teacher and a former fifth grade student. I’m currently writing a nonfiction book about humor for Doubleday.
At the risk of upsetting George’s anti-capitalist ethos, the art you bought will likely increase in value as George’s fame grows. In fact, Chris, you may already be a millionaire, thanks to your keen eye for artistic talent. On a more serious note, how fucking cool is it that this kid is making art to make his point and putting it out into the world? Pretty damn cool. Great story!
Considering adding “Most people would disagree, but humans have weak minds.” to my email auto signature.