Chuck Norris Versus Focused

Chuck Norris, the American martial artist and actor had bought a phenomenal change in the way the viewers perceived the ‘Hero’ actor or protagonist in movies. Well why wouldn’t the viewers be, he did everything under the sun, sang, danced, kicked the a** of the antagonist and his pack, romanced the ladies and portrayed strong sense of emotions,  which is a typical package of requirement by the ‘Hero’ Actor of any movie. With his growing popularity, his resume grew pages and now it is a book. Over the years, with other tasks that performed by Mr. Norris were splitting atoms with bare hands, counting to infinity twice, breaking a bullet with knife, creating tornadoes with high speed rotation of his arms and so many more activities that could be read on www.chucknorris.com . But the highest prestige for this American actor, is after years of entertainment delivered by him, he is still followed vividly by his fans and has disciples across nations who have been equally appreciated by fans.

The legacy of Chuck Norris could have led to the comparison with Bond … James Bond 007. He has been another such character with feat accomplishments rate just like Norris and still look Suave…Ladies Killer. The idealism behind such characters was to create a persona full of qualities that is appreciated and cherished by everyone – A many talented man. This stirred the period from 70’s to 90’s but a step forward was the movie Junior starring ‘Arnold Schwarzenegger’ yet another protege of Chuck that is capable of doing everything  and goes a step ahead for birth of a child by him. This propelled the society to think if we were under limiting our abilities and many scientific research were started in the unknown directions to explore human existence. The idealism then was to be ‘Master of All’. Parents had their children programmed to jump from class to class and get flying colours in academics and co-curricular activities. Monthly charts were made and posted on Refrigerators as a constant reminder of the next activity and time schedule. To miss any class or activity was a felony and amidst all such madness was a time when kids like me took birth. We were a lazy breed and I was peculiar, in many ways. One such was, I never found any pleasure in doing 10 things together and cherished to be lazy and lay under the sun for hours doing ‘Nothing’. The problem with that was, sometimes I had no idea when did I finish doing ‘Nothing’.

Times were running and a revolution was in the air to create individuals with so many talents to either beat Chuck or come second in the race with Chuck. With increase in participation for so many activities started the phase of divide and rule, bullying and stress teenagers committing suicides if they aren’t able to bear the pressure. Teenage suicide in the United States remains comparatively high in the 15 to 24 age group with 10,000 suicides in this age range in 2004, making it the third leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 24. By comparison, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death for all those age 10 and over, with 33,289 suicides for all US citizens in 2006. (Source wiki) With alarming numbers, people realized that the era of Chuck and Bond has to be passed away for greater good. It was time to bid good-bye to high octane memories of entertainment and welcome the age of ‘Master of One‘. Well this was seemingly a way to distract the younger lot. It made them think that the societal pressure is now lenient.

(Kathleen Genevieve “Katie” Ledecky (born March 17, 1997) is an American competitive swimmer. She is a five-time Olympic gold medalist and nine-time world champion. She is the current world -record holder in the women’s 400-, 800-, and 1,500-meter freestyle (long course). She also holds the fastest-ever times in the women’s 500-, 1000-, and 1,650-yard freestyle events.)

By 2005, the 20 activities thrown on a child was now reduced to 1 only. The activity wouldn’t be just thrown at them but with their full consent and interest in the activity. Well for other non Focused kids, regular schools were always welcoming to later make up their minds. The results were staggeringly positive, these kids in 2016 grew to be better Olympian champions, chefs, designers, dancers, musicians, artists and Bullies. The kids with special focus are given focused education in their field and remain un-nurtured in other domains. Budding chefs with high skill in culinary activities but almost no knowledge of Physics, Maths or literature. Society isn’t easy on the focused one as well. The budding chefs getting rejected due to 0.0005% of lemon taste being less on Masterchef shows or a 13 year old dancer being rejected off a dance reality show just because the tours en l’air (Rotational jumps) or Saute (180 degree feet apart stance) is not as flexible as a 9 year old. Favorite few got gold medals and the remaining were left to wonder what did they do wrong? At the tender age of 13, young girls are pursuing Modelling as career line for their slim figure. At 20, being rejected and no where to go the feeling of their career ending point has arrived, gets hooked them to drugs for reliving stress and once again suicide seems a viable option. Mostly this is also triggered as other 13 year old are now filling up more positions than 20 year old. For most, their passion turn into the only thing to trade, as a survival ability in form of teaching to other kids. The teachers/judges/leaders with growing precision have now worn the face of the new bullies.

The pressure from society was never down, it has just shifted form. It still exist and will always find it’s way to you, unless we find another resolution to it. The million dollar question still persists, should we turn our Gen next to Chucks again or let them remain focused?