So the X Factor is dominating Saturday evenings once again. New judges, new faces, new tone deaf weirdies, Kelly Rowland’s incredible weave. One person that really has us talking, though, is 18 year old Frankie Cocozza. Not because we think he’s cute, or because of the seven girls’ names tattooed on his bum (you might live to regret that decision, Frankie lad). No, because of what he said when asked why he had entered the competition. Because he wanted to be a singer, maybe? No:
“I want to try and sleep with as many women as possible”
We get where you’re coming from, Frankie, but while we respect your honesty we can’t help but be a bit worried by your response. It plugs into an idea that is becoming more and more widely accepted – the idea that success is all (or only) about money, hoes, and fame – rather than doing something that you really believe in and are good at. It’s easy to see where this belief has come from – just turn on MTV and you’re in a spangly world of diamonds, bikinis and spaceship-sized cars. But is this attainable – and is this really what success is about?
Not to get all literary on y’all, but take a moment to read this poem if you will:
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson