As a huge fan of music from almost every conceivable genre, I am usually draw to any song with a positive message or good mood-inducing melody.
"Life Happens" from artists Brandon and Leah is a great track, but the video did an even better job of distracting me from the message. Brandon, who happens to be the son of once famous athlete, Bruce Jenner, who is married to Kris Kardashian, matriarch of the reality TV clan, has admirable intentions. In doing a some PR for his new single, his message on The Huffington Post was very in tune with what Grateful Brand represents and stands for.
Brandon writes, "I believe the only thing that we really have control over is our attitude. If we focus on the positive things in our lives and learn how to cope with all the surprises, we will be happier people. Happiness is contagious. I focus on love and gratitude for all things on this beautiful planet and beyond. We can bring positive energy into our daily lives by smiling more, talking to strangers in line, replacing handshakes with hugs, and calling our friends just to tell them we love them."
Hats off to you, Brandon, for articulating nothing but good stuff. But half way through the video, one blaring question was beating on the door of needing an answer.
"Whose life is this?" Once I realized the source--Brandon and Leah--and their long list of industry ties, the pieces fell into place.
I have never uttered the phrase, "Life happens," while taking a leisurely stroll, or while cruising around in my car just for the sake of enjoyment, or while on vacation. For me, "Life happens" is always apart of a larger, survival based, phrase.
"Life happens. You deal with it, you overcome, and you move on."
Again, Brandon and Leah have produced a great song with a fantastic message of being grateful and happy in spite of whatever may come and I applaud them for it, but their video does not reflect the life that is happening for most of America today and the vast majority of the worlds population.
I don't know where Leah comes from, but Brandon has lived a life of exceptional privilege. You can Google him and discover that life has been happening very well for him since he was born. He has been featured on MTV's reality show Cribs, which showcases the lavish homes and automobiles of celebrities and athletes, twice.
Brandon should never make any apologies for being who he is or for having means, but his video is not the life that is happening for most of us. Most of us have a lot less to be grateful for, have lived through greater struggle and have fought harder for our day to day survival.
Brandon has had more than most will ever have an opportunity to be grateful for. In addition to producing such life affirming songs and music videos, I would like to see him go to India or Guatemala or to people in America who have being struggling to find work and share stories of how their lives are happening.
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