WEDNESDAY THOUGHTS: THE BEST

Before anyone or anything achieves greatness or popularity, it has to be known. 

There's something to be said for exposure, and these days, almost every day, someone is asking for the masses to support one thing or another.

There was a time when no one ever heard of the people and things that are currently treasured, and deemed outstanding. They became treasured for a reason, and probably not because people were manipulated or bullied into being fans. 

I haven't experienced everything, but I'm a little skeptical when I see a list of "The best", 

"The greatest", 

"The top", 

"The all-time", or 

“The GOAT”

in a category, and I don't see certain people, places, or things included. 

I defy anyone to make a list of the best gourmet popcorn and not include Garrett's; the best singers, and not include Aretha; the best musical groups, and not include EWF or Maze; the best films, and not include "The Wizard of Oz" or "Malcolm X"; the best actors, and not include Sidney Poitier or Maggie Smith; the best artists and not include Michelangelo or Edmonia Lewis... 

Seriously…Who's making these lists? Who's organizing these compilations? Who did they ASK? 

Exposure, and new things are fine; there's an abundance of incredible talent we will never experience, but mediocrity is no substitute for, nor can it cause you to forget the excellence you know to exist. 

Maybe it (whatever it is) does get recognized all the time, but there's a reason for that. 

It's genuinely among the BEST.