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| David Swindle is a freshman creative writing major and writes "Swimming in Broken Glass" for the Daily News. His views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper. |
The subject of my last article was Margaret Cho, one of my eight heroes. Today, as promised, I reveal the other seven.
The key phrase to understanding my appreciation of these diverse characters is "passionate individualist." The uniting factor for these very different people is an intense drive to be who they are and live life their way.
Reinaldo Arenas
Who: Cuban novelist/poet. 1943-1990
Why: Arenas overcame persecution, torture and imprisonment for being an artist and a homosexual in Fidel Castro's Cuba. Ultimately, years after his death, he triumphs over his oppressor through his stunning autobiography Before Night Falls, and the Pentagonia, a series of five novels he called "the secret history of Cuba."
Robert Crumb
Who: 1960s underground comic artist; creator of Fritz the Cat and Mr. Natural. 1943-
Why: Crumb's greatness is similar to Cho's. His extreme honesty in his artwork brutally critiques such subjects as race, sexuality and society. He was a pioneer who led to the rise of the comic as a legitimate art form. (He's actually had his work displayed in galleries.)
Larry Flynt
Who: Founder of Hustler magazine; first amendment advocate. 1942-
Why: Flynt isn't here because of his pornography. His value comes in his Supreme Court victory over Jerry Falwell that resulted in a precedent that allows us to write things that may offend or produce "emotional distress." The value of his first amendment freedom fighting is of the utmost importance.
John Lennon
Who: Beatle; songwriter; peace activist. 1940-1980
Why: It may not look it from that photo over there but with my hair longer and glasses on I've been told I look like Lennon. I do my best to try to look like him on the inside too. Through his life and music he's become the ultimate symbol for defiance against the cruelty and hypocrisy of war, materialism, government, society and religion. His message of love's supremacy is so beautifully simplistic that it's easy for the cynical and cowardly to ignore and dismiss.
Martin Scorsese
Who: Director of such masterpieces as "Taxi Driver," "Raging Bull," and "Goodfellas." 1942-
Why: Since the '70s, Scorsese has produced film after film that takes risks and rocks the boat. He's had the skill and courage to continually dive into the darker regions of the human mind and soul.
Malcom X
Who: Black nationalist; Muslim leader. 1925-1965
Why: Some people bug me about my Malcolm X poster and T-shirt, as though Malcolm is only applicable to African Americans. Reading his autobiography last semester blew me away. It introduced a man of intense intelligence and spirituality who evolved from criminal to towering, racist voice of the Nation of Islam and finally to open minded martyr.
Tupac Shakur
Who: Rap artist; actor; poet. 1971-1996
Why: Those who dismiss Shakur as just another rapper probably have a limited view of his work and personality. While he definitely promoted a "thug image," a sensitivity and brilliance also reveal themselves, particularly in his early work and pre-rap poetry. His extensive posthumous releases are evidence of a relentless creative energy and unending passion for his art.
Consider: five of the above were either assassinated or had attempts made on their life. Of course different motivations exist for each. But still, I think it says something about the threat to the status quo caused by the daring outsider.
Write to David at dmswindle@bsu.edu
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