Ideas in Antiquity Week 13
The most common theme in this week’s presentations revolved around one word: Change. As leaders, change is often inevitable as life isn’t something that can easily be planned out to the last detail. Life is something that is always changing and is often unfair. Following the idea of unfairness, let’s jump into the first group’s presentation.
Using music again, the first group on Thursday focused on two particular artists. Known for their fire music/verses and large influence in their communities, Kendrick Lamar and J Cole are true examples of leadership. Starting with J Cole, he is someone who had a tragic childhood but was able to achieve his dreams and be an inspiration to others. I strive to be like him as he is someone who not only cares for his community but is also honest. Honesty to me is a vital part of leadership. I believe that leaders should have honesty as a policy since it is what’s needed to implement true change.
Back to the music, J Cole’s song “Changes” has truly powerful lyrics. Key verse number two really resonated with as it stated “the only real change come from inside.” Leaders should be good not only on the outside but the inside. Leadership isn’t all about looks like Bruce or simply achieving your dreams like Benjamin. It’s about giving back and improving the lives of others, even if it’s just one person. Knowing this, I know that anyone and many people can be leaders. Change is something that should be welcome to leaders as it leads to improvement as well. Instead of being afraid and holding back from it, it should be embraced as it is always good in the end.
His inspirational lyrics continue in his other song titled “Crunch Time.” In this song, he is speaking about achieving goals and the journey/typical thoughts that occur in the process of it all. His lyrics are brutally honest as they are truly relatable. Due to my age, I am in the time of my life where my decisions can either make or break my future. Whether it be picking a future law school or taking advantages of job/internship opportunites, change is something that can make my life take a turn for the best or the worst. I’m truly glad I took this course as well since it has made me realize/learn some truths that are changing me for the good. My words in these assignments double as amazing advice that has led to me making great decisions. Turning back to J Cole though, his words of “I always fantasize if I had went to college instead, Would I be happily married instead of broke and unwed?.” Regret is the biggest enemy of change. It is something many people or ealier generations and even my own feel due to their decisions. I grew up seeing it all around me which I feel shaped me into who I am today.
My life is my own and also my biggest responsibility. It is my job to make it into what I want but most importantly, live it with no regrets. I refuse to be the old woman who is secretly jealous of younger people as they are doing the things I never/was to scared to do. Yes, I’ve dealt with women like this. It is sad but I plan to have a life that inspires people and pushes them to live a life full of pure happiness as well. Though there are dark points, my life is and will always be full of joy and pure good. This song reminded me to remember this and to keep my head up as I am on the right path to achieving my dreams and getting everything I want.
Moving on to Kendrick Lamar, he too grew up with a sad story. Instead of becoming like those around him, he took another route that ended up with him becoming one of the best Hip-Hop artists of all time. His words/music are fire and legendary as he speaks some real things. An example of this is his album “To Pimp a Butterfly.” The message behind the title alone is pure genius and truly cool. When I further researched the meaning behind it, I related to a specific part. The butterfly and the cocoon are what I related to. As a Butterly, I feel that I am something that has bloomed out of the cocoon that was my childhood. I felt trapped but my escape, being college, helped me to step out into the world and work to improve myself for the better. I’m not the biggest butterfly as I haven’t accomplished what I want to yet but I’m in the stages. I will have plenty other cocoons but I know I’ll continue to bloom and thrive (I have sooo much faith in myself).
His genius continues through the second key verse of this album in the song “Momma.” My mother is so important to me as she’s my muse. Part of the reason for my goals is to make her proud of me and the job she did raising me. We didn’t have much but she made many sacrifices and tried her hardest. For that, I truly appreciate her. She’s the person who’s been there at my lowest/sickest points holding my hand and smiling/crying tears of joy at my highest. Making her proud (and others) is such a satisfying and fulfilling feeling. In this song, Kendrick speaks upon the things he learned from his mother and how they’ve made him better. I plan to be a mother who is inspiring but most importantly there/the best for my children. I want my kids to be amazing people that are truly happy and comfortable with coming to me whenever they need anything. Whether it’s something to cheer them up or support at a low point, I’ll be right there like a true leader should.
The idea of inspiration continues with my idol: BEYONCE!!!!!!!!!
Her legendary album titled “Lemonade” is one that brings me so much joy and nostalgia. I remember blasting it in 2016 on my tiny phone, tablet, and any other music playing device that I could get my hands on. I also remember going through heartbreaks like Beyonce did and blasting this album until I got tired of it. All I know is that when the song “Sorry” comes on, there’s no stopping me from singing my heart out. 2016’s music was so good, ugh how I wish we can go back to those times.
Speaking of old times, this album had a huge theme around life and the importance of family. In the song “Daddy Lessons”, Beyonce explains her journey of leadership through her upbringing and the lessons she uses from it to this day. My favorite lyrics from it is when she says “He said take care of your mother, watch out for your sister… he taught me to be strong… When trouble comes to town, and men like me come around. Oh, my daddy said shoot.” One thing I love about my family is our protective nature. My family is the type that with one phone call, at least ten of us show up ready to defend one another, even if we just argued ten minutes before. My father, who himself has four girls, is extremely protective and was the person who taught me to defend myself against anyone who steps to me. Like Beyonce’s father, mine also mentored me by being sure that I was ready in case any conflict arises and to always be my sister’s keeper. He also taught me to be strong and to never fully depend on others as “you’re the only one who truly has your back.” With him, I was able to learn and be able to trust my instincts as my gut is never wrong. His lessons pushed me to be a leader and be able to keep being a leader even when other people tried to keep me down. I am truly proud to be my father’s daughter as he helped mold me into the strong person I am today.
Moving on to the next presentation, they really brought me true nostalgia. I love Michael Jackson and always have from a young age. There’s a video of 2 year old me trying to moon walk across my living room and do the mic tilt. It’s the cutest thing ever as little old me was so fascinated with the King of Pop. It’s not surprising either, Michael Jackson is a true legend and a true leader. His words are so powerful and his tunes were able to reach all types of people around the world.
My favorite work of his is “Man in the Mirror” as it focuses on the idea of reflections. I feel that the reflection of a leader is extremely important as leaders should be mindful of what they’re putting out into the world. You can’t lead someone if you’re not confident and able to fix all of the problems that are reflected back to you in the mirror. As Michael Jackson says, “Who am I to be blind, pretending not to see their needs… If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make a change.” His words are nothing but truth because he made sure he saw other people’s needs but also made sure to inspire people to fix themselves before trying to help others.
True leaders are people who understand that leadership is more than helping others out. It includes deep self reflection and mindfulness of all the bad around the world and yourself. This world is one filled with things that can change a person for the worst but as a true leader, people need to be able to break past that constantly while lifting others up. Combining all of these, a true leader can be formed. It’s not easy as life never is but understanding these things and being open to learning more is the proper way to be a great leader.
Knowing this, I can’t wait to show my leadership through my presentation on Thursday!
