An Open Letter To The Next Generation From The Author Of “Ten Shows”
By RG Daniels
To Whom It May Concern:
Your first inclination when reading this might be to dismiss it or expect it to say something you can be quick to bash and demolish in the comments section. I say, “Go for it.” Skip this entire thing and go on and post some carelessly crafted criticism about how I suck or I am a nobody or how I write for blogs and web sites that aren’t in step with what you think is important, therefore I have no right to speak to an entire generation of people.
If you’ve decided to skip the nonsense of leaving a shitty, negative, anonymous comment on a blog post, then let me be the first person to welcome you to the 2nd paragraph! My name is RG Daniels and I am the author of “Ten Shows”, a collection of stories about an aspiring comedian who lacks the self-awareness to realize he might not be cut out to be a comedian. This letter is not about the book, though. This letter is about you and how you’re more powerful than the number of mouse-clicks you tap in a 24-hour timeframe.
I have no idea how old you are, but there’s a good chance your parents fall into 1 of 2 categories. They were either sign-waving hippies who protested in parks about nuclear destruction while “experimenting” with drugs, or they were the opposite of that: a couple of stiffs with good jobs who thought a fun night on the town was dinner and a movie, but only to complain about it.
Don’t be like your parents.
You have more. This is not an endless rambling of the power of the Internet. You already know about this. I wrote my book, published it, and released it entirely on my own. You can, too. Your parents had shit. However, you have the resources and knowledge to do better.
If you are someone who dreams of recording an album, writing a book, or directing a movie, then DO IT. It is possible. Don’t wait around for someone to come get you. Don’t Tweet about your intentions. Don’t mutter under your breath as you watch another peer zoom past you and experience the sort of creative satisfaction you crave. There is nothing holding you back from doing exactly what it is you wanna do.
You deserve to contribute to the creative and artistic fabric of this country that is commonly hijacked by bigger companies and more obnoxious voices (read: Miley). You are someone. You have a mind and now, as we head into 2014, there is nothing to hold you back from expressing yourself. Everything is ready for you.
Take the time. Make mistakes. Correct your errors. Take responsibility of your voice. Be proud of your work. Don’t empower the people who make you feel like shit. Get inspired by the bad days as much you get inspired by the good ones. There is never a better time than now with the amount of access you have. If you don’t believe me, ask your parents. The minute you realize how boring and misguided their answer is, you’ll know what I’m talking about.
RG D