Everyone is in Search of Something Invisible

 In case the video does not work on this page, here is a link to youtube: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHRoJpA15CQ&feature=youtu.be

  

        I made this video in hopes to portray a feeling. This was filmed in Ocean City, Maryland.  Many of the characters in the novels we have read have been in search of something— somewhere they belong or where they are meant to be.  In this video I, along with help from my family (six kids, a mom and dad, two dogs, twenty-six chickens, and a bunny) (the animals didn't help with the video), make and unmake or erase what I made so there is no evidence of what was there.  I think that this concept really relates to many of the characters in the novels we have read in class as they are all in search of something they can’t see and can only feel. I also think that the emotion (that I hope is portrayed in this video) helps show the reason religion is, in my opinion, around in the first place. 

        In Dharma Bums, you see Ray struggle to find who he is and where he is supposed to be.  In Theron Ware, you see Theron torn between what he feels he is supposed to do and where he is tempted to be.  In Go Tell it on the Mountain, John is struggling to distinguish his attraction and disgust of both his father and the church— he is trying to figure out where he fits into it all. Also in Go Tell it on the Mountain, Gabriel battles with his past and current temptations and is unable to be content right where he is. All of these characters are in search of something: rebirth, an answer, forgiveness, peace of mind, but ultimately what they are looking for is a sense of belonging. 

        In practicing religion, many people attend church and all that goes with it, sure, partly for the sake of their beliefs, but mostly for the sense of community that is created in the church. This same reason, people attend sports games.  You are part of something bigger, you experience a feeling of warmth and common beliefs and wants.  In a sports game, you are overwhelmed with approval and support from the people rooting for the same team and outcome you are.  It is a bond and an instant commonality between fans.  In a church, you immediately have backing and a connection from those who share the same beliefs, you are instantly a part of a close knit group of people. 

        The feeling that most people seem to need in some form or another is not able to be seen, but must be felt.  For this reason, the beauty (feeling people are looking for) that lies beneath the surface of the white sheet is erased.  I hope it is clear through this video that the sense of community and belongingness I have found in my family is what many people look for and find in religion. The way the video is shot and pieced together and the making and unmaking of the sheet is intended to demonstrate the feeling and sense of community that many people are in search for along with the intended outcome of many of the characters in the novels we have read in class.