Jax in a Box.

Where's the Love?

Well, here I am. Eric convinced me. And just when I was starting to question my life's direction. Thank you Eric, thank you for showing me my path.

I suppose before I jump into this headfirst (and you along with me) I should throw a disclaimer out there. These posts are going to ooze cynacism, and/or sarcasm. If you're wondering if I'm being either of the two, I probably am. If you're wondering if I'm not, I probably am there too.

"Idealism is what precedes experience; cynicism is what follows."
-David T. Wolf

So let's get to it shall we? This past Saturday was the Love Parade SF. This is the first time the LP came to North America. I've been to the Love Parade in Berlin before. There's something to be said about being surrounded by 1 million (mostly high) clubbers/ravers proudly sporting their day-glo faux fur hot pants and gaiters (men and women alike) - blissfully blowing their whistles all the while. *sigh* Good times.

I would be lying if I said that SF's Love Parade filled me with love. It filled me with exhaustion. Being the only one in charge of making a float happen (and of course Minna afterwards) was a lot more work than I was anticipating. Luckily, I had a handful of help without which I wouldn't have been able to pull it off. The float materialized, people danced. Then it was all over. Weeks of work for 7 hours. But I digress. LPSF, for me, was just a giant pissing contest. Who has the bigger float, the best sound system, the biggest DJs. Where's the love in competition?

A pivotal point in my Love Parade experience came at around 8:30pm as things were starting to wind down. I'm standing beside our Qoöl float, watching the people dance. An aquaintance walks up to me and says, 'If I say something, you promise not to think I'm an asshole?" Just by asking that question, I should've said no. But of course I didn't. He goes on to say, "You know, I think this float could've been done better." Um, can you be more blantantly insensitive? What a prick. He was lucky I was too tired to really be pissed off - I think I was more in shock. Fine, you have your opinion. And you know what, it probably could've been done better - what couldn't? But talk about bad timing. Horrible tact. It was kind of amusing to watch him verbally fumble from that point forward though. This morning I got this email in my inbox:

Subject: ...apologies...

Hey Jackie,
 
Hope you had a fine rest of your weekend.  I just wanted to apologize again for the comment on saturday.  You were right...the timing was really bad...i was drunk (not a valid excuse i know)...and the whole thing became misconstrued.  Furthermore, I had a great time at the float and appreciate how much effort you guys put into the "scene" (hate that word).  I understand how much money, time, effort, politics etc etc go into it all and i was pretty much an ass for saying that to you so i apologize.   Anyway...hopefully i will see you weds.  (if you let me in the door:)  love.
 
******

So yea. There you have it. I've successfully moved up 3 rungs on my ladder of being jaded. I need to work on climbing down.

posted by jax @ 11:54 AM