Twelve ~ Inclusive

Dear R-----,

       Classes have begun, and it's both nice to have something going on in my day and to be learning, but I miss sleeping in, and there have been a few afternoons with perfect lighting that I've had to miss.

       Nothing much to say about my courses as yet, most seem interesting enough. There were a few faces I recognized from previous classes, one or two I can pass a few snatches of idle conversation with. Pitiful, I know, but that's a lot for me... Entering the major late means everyone else already knows each other, and have formed relationships as a result - and I'm on the outside peering in. I'm sure in time I'll be a little less the odd one out, but for now... well, I have my cd player, at least, and my music is my refuge.

       Still, I wonder how they see me? This quiet girl, headphones so often in lace, a somewhat original clothing style but nothing outlandish, large blue eyes always so wide, trying to soak in the entire sky some days.

       Does eye color change the way you see the world? Not necessarily literally (though that's an intriguing idea as well - do we all call the same visual perception "blue"?), but in terms of, what to call it, interpretation I suppose. Would someone with brown eyes see things for what they are, while someone with blue eyes looks always beyond the skies... Bono and I both have blue eyes---

       But, no, so does Larry (Mullen - U2's drummer, I'm sure I've dropped all these names around you enough by now but just in case). And Larry is one of the people to help keep Bono's head from floating up to the heavens altogether.

       They have a new album on the way, I'm definitely excited about that, U2's albums are always worth the long waits between.

       Even sooner, however, is the new R.E.M. album, and I'm sure I needn't even attempt to explain my feelings on that one. Despite the critics' lukewarm views on the last few, I think there's a lot they missed...

       U2 have had unpopular albums as well, why is at that each new album generates such levels of public anticipation, while new releases from R.E.M. are sort of held at arm's length with uncertainty? Goodness knows it can't be because Michael is more of a public pest than Bono. (And you know I don't mean that unkindly, quite the opposite, I respect and admire them both so much for all they have the courage and intelligence to do.)

       And I'm not going to cry gay prejudice, because I honestly don't think it's there in this case. (Anyway, anyone who's seen any footage from U2's last few tours ought to have some questions about their singer and guitarist...but you've heard my theories often enough.)

       Maybe it just comes down to the differences in audience, in approach and overall vibe. U2 has an incredible air of camaraderie around them, within the band, at concerts, among the fans. If Bono could, i'm sure he really would throw his arms around the entire world. It's a very inclusive feeling they create, a close-knit family of people from all walks of life. Something like that by its very nature will draw people toward it.

       With R.E.M., there's also an inclusiveness, but it's of a different sort. (I'm a bit hesitant to keep making broad generalizations, because I'm sure there are times, places, and songs where none of this is the case, but humor my ramblings.) They community feels much smaller, like a small town. Very loyal, very stable. There are so many differences between those of us in the crowd, but I think we hold onto our individuality more than a U2 crowd does. U2 tries to find one in the many, a similar vein that runs through us all, while R.E.M. sees all the differences, and I think embraces them more. "We're one, but we're not the same." U2 emphasize the first part, while R.E.M. takes the second. U2 takes on humanity, mankind as a group, while R.E.M. goes for the individuals, all the many facets that make up our race.

       Really, you need both, so it makes me very happy to know that the two bands are friendly with each other and all. (Especially in the case of Michael and Bono, do you remember that photo I showed you?) But much as I love U2, you know who, in the end, my heart rests in. My boys.

       Oh dear, I really didn't mean to subject you to such a long diatribe - apologies if it's all a load of crap, such random bullshit my brain spews some days.....

       Hope all is well with you, and hopefully my next letter will have a little more action and adventure (though to be honest, I much prefer solitary meditations)... A friend of mine here invited me to a party at her place, and I'm thinking of going. Can't hurt too badly, at least.