Richard Gere and the Dalai Lama
Brad Warner:
Modern American celebrities are made famous not just for their talent but also for their nonconformity, which ranges from wearing meat dresses (Lady Gaga) to following non-mainstream religions (Tom Cruise and Sciencetology). America is hailed as the global melting pot that is increasingly becoming more influenced by Eastern Culture. Despite this shift, Buddhism is still scene as foreign or reserved for the elite who can afford to find Nirvana. Buddhism along with many other religions like Kabbalah is seen as a hobby for the wealthy Americans especially famous ones. If you were to ask to the average American to name a fellow America who practiced Buddhism, Richard Gere pops into mind. Richard Gere is publicized as the icon of American Buddhism. He often makes headlines for meeting with his teacher, the Dalia Lama or for heading activist campaigns or even for creating international gossip when he kissed Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty that got him charged with indecency. I was amazed by the number of pictures of him and the Dalai Lama I found on google from just searching “Richard Gere”. The average American would not answer Brad Warner, who isn't publicized as widely and if in the rare case he is, he isn't casually featured with the Dalai Lama. I fit that stereotype. Before I read Zen Wrapped In Karma Dipped In Chocolate, I would not have imagined a punk rocker like Wagner to be a Buddhist. Wagner himself declares, “for way too long Buddhism has been the exclusive province” (Wagner 115). Wagner goes on to describe this as the stereotype for whiny intellectuals but I believe this also applies to celebrities. Celebrities can be seen as wanting to further themselves from the average American. I think a reason why celebrities or the wealthy are seen as Buddhists is because Buddhism takes a lot of intensive time devotion and they are the only ones who are seen to have the time and the resources to train as a Buddhist. Americans led the most hectic, rushed lifestyles on the planet. Thus, we require cultures that pinpoint only few religious annual celebrations but still feel like we belong to a religion.
It is a very impressive essay. But, you can be sure that the life in Europe is not less stressful then in USA. I lived for many years in Germany and I see, that the life becomes more difficult everywhere. I completely agree with your claim that modern Western life does not provide much opportunity for meditation. I belong to those who have this stereotype opinion that it is simple for celebrities like Richard Gere to be a 'happy Buddhists'...
ReplyDeleteI really appreciated your essay and points that you brought up. I completely agree with the fact that Bhuddism requires time and patience which many Americans feel that they don't have. Many Americans have a very skewed view on the Bhuddist culture as seen in all the blogs. Good job !
ReplyDeleteI, too, disagree that Americans have the most hectic and rushed lives. I do not want to come off as harsh, but I feel that is a very close-minded and elitist viewpoint. That elitist viewpoint is also what seems to make Americans, Americans. Of course, that is also conjecture on my behalf. I feel that celebrities branch out and follow things like Buddhism, Kabbalah, Scientology, etc., because they want to be different. Celebrities want to step out from societal norms, just for the sake of being different, and to draw some buzz and media attention to themselves. I am not discounting them, however, saying they do not believe in these things. I just think drawing attention to themselves is part of the reason they convert; it is a selfish desire.
ReplyDeleteWhen you said,"I think a reason why celebrities or the wealthy are seen as Buddhists is because Buddhism takes a lot of intensive time devotion and they are the only ones who are seen to have the time and the resources to train as a Buddhist", I don't really understand what you are trying to say. Do you mean celebrities are seen as Buddhists because of their hard work and devotion to their success? Buddhists do not live necessarily materialistic lives, but for those that do live materialistically work hard and earn what they have. I'm not sure if I interpreted that right or not. If you could please clarify. :]
ReplyDeleteI liked the points you made and I agree with the point that you made about Americans have a hectic and rushed lifestyle and Buddhism requires more time and devotion.
ReplyDeleteI love how you say that Buddhism is only available to the select few that have time for it.
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