Recently I had a chance to see three different reggae concerts in three weeks. And I have to say they were enlightening in ways you wouldn’t think.
These concerts were at the local racetrack after the last pony race each time. Each concert showed you different kinds of people.
First show was an older old skool band, and I will keep band names out of this.
The people showing up for this show were a mix of older reggae fans, like myself, college frat boys looking for a party and the rich snobs that frequent the track on a regular. So this show we had half the audience as drunk rude kids who could care less about you or the music, bumping, pushing, and starting fights and spilling beer everywhere, 1/4 rich folk who couldn’t care about any of what is going on and 1/4 true fans. And it was a rather small crowd too. I have to say that as much as I loved the music, I couldn’t stand anyone around me as their vibes were mean and ungrateful and privileged.
Second show was really amazing. Hardly any frat boys or self important people, about 97% were fans and I think they were the kind that follow the band everywhere. More of a festival band where the NEW hippies, like my son, will go and spend 2-3 days camping, tripping and dancing. These kids are pretty chill and are there for the music. It’s all about the music. This was great because I had never heard them before and the show was amazing. My son recommended that I go and I’m so glad I did. This crowd was about double or more the size of the band the week before and a much much better crowd. Lots of families too.
Third show I saw and last of the series for the year was a big name guy with a humongous following. Standing room only, a huge sea of people. And again lots of wild, rude and self important college kids and pony betting rich folk attending the Beer Fest just yards away. Yes, there was a beer party during a reggae party, not so smart. But, there were way more people to see the headliner, and we were united. People of all ages, infant and up.
The true fans danced and moved singularly and in unison practically at the same time and stood in solidarity against the rude. It was amazing watching the spiritual peace loving reggae fans and Rastafari hold their ground while being pushed around. Still dancing and one with the music.
It still amazes me how people raise their kids. So many lax parents from my generation have not instilled in their children good strong morals and ethics or even etiquette. It’s sad. Too many would rather be best friends with their children than teach them what we were taught. So many of my generation who came from GOOD loving well rounded families act like they were so mistreated by their parents and decided to go the best friend route without real discipline.
Being a friend is a good thing. But you STILL have to be a PARENT and teach your children what is good and bad, right and wrong. Instill the “treat others as you would have them treat you” and “politeness will get you further and crass rudeness” life mantras, not that dog eat dog world where bringing others down gets you places and every man for himself b.s.
Gratitude, appreciation, respect and thoughtfulness will get you a whole lot further than being a class A jerk.
Remember, a smile is infectious and should spread like wildfire. Better to infect the world with smiles than with frowns. And we might all just get along better.
Lana's World 