Sunday, June 20, 2010

Creativity: Making Things Extraordinary

When I hear the word creativity, the next thing that comes to my mind is uniqueness. Creativity as I may describe it is the ability to think out of the box and making things out of the ordinary. Having distinctive ideas is what sets a person apart from the rest as well as his exceptional creations which are truly genuine and unique. Just like in Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligence, human beings are said to be unique in every way. They may not be good in everything but they are good at something. And that is what makes them stand out. I believe that creativity comes from within because people all have special abilities. They just do not know how to nourish them and use them properly. A perfect example is the creativity of the Filipino people. Creativity is innate in the Filipino culture. Filipinos are fond of inventing out of this world things that no one can ever think is possible. Just like the invention of the hydrogen powered car. It was such an amazing idea and with that, I can say that Filipinos are really good in making the impossible, possible.

Because of the rapid globalization happening in all parts of the world, there is a tendency that countries become alike in terms of fast food chains, clothing lines, and lifestyle. In the taste of music and the arts, everything is multi-cultural and countries have the tendency to lose their identity. A concrete example is the Philippine entertainment industry. I think the country’s entertainment scene has become Americanized. In variety shows, the artists sing and dance to the tunes of international music artists more than our local artists. One of my balikbayan relatives commented on a musical variety show and said, “How come Filipinos sing international songs more than their own music?” It is heartbreaking because I believe that Filipinos are very good performers and are great creators of music. Filipinos should be proud to perform their original compositions because it is something they can call their own.

After reading Sir Ken Robinson’s “The Arts and Education: Changing Track,” I also realized that the arts are not given importance in education and in the economy. In my opinion, the arts is just as significant as mathematics, languages, and the sciences because it will pulsate life to the learning of students as it makes learning twice as fun. Students also need a breather from the serious topics that math, language, and science have. The arts will make them recognize that there is a world outside of math, language, and science and it can also be something they can look forward to every time they go to school. It will help them hone their talents and abilities, learn how to express themselves, and teach them how to be creative and innovative in their own ways. Same goes for the economy. The economy just focuses on the technical aspect of economic growth and the arts is again inconsiderable.

The arts is a huge element of a nation’s culture because it brings in flavor and makes culture interesting. If the arts is not part of culture, the economy will not be progressive. It would be very serious if an economy will only have scientists, technologists, and mathematicians. Where then is the color and spice of the economy? If the cultural diversity of the nation is rich, it will be globally competitive. People in the arts breathe life into the nation and makes it a more fascinating place to live in. And yes, more tourists will be attracted to visit the country. The result: a progressive economy.

Being a contributing writer for a teen magazine like Candy really does encourage creativity. Of course, how can readers all over the country appreciate its content if the articles, features, and layout are not worth appreciating and worth every penny? We really make use of our creativity to make the readers happy, entertained, satisfied, and most of all, learn from every issue. As for my home, it also does encourage creativity! I have always loved writing. Ever since I was little, I’d write short stories or poems and my parents would compile all my works so I am very thankful to my parents who supported me all the way!

Creativity can bring about a big change in the world. It is just a matter of waking up our creative juices from the trance that they were in and make use of them. Having a wide imagination is a big help in being creative. Visualizing what you want to create can motivate you to make it happen. It is never too late to make a difference. So dream…with your eyes open.

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