Well Alexis K has finally come out of the closet! It would seem that he is a.... Stravinsky fan! In his latest “masterpiece” this ex-conference delegate (or “thug” as he is otherwise known – see An incident at Conference) has attributed the success (?) of this cult group (of which he is a member) partly to the scandal it has attracted within AA. According to our “maestro” such adverse comments serve merely to attract people rather than repel them much in the way (we suppose) one who lacking in discretion and taste might seek diversion by visiting a freak show by reason of its outrageous reputation: thus “success from scandal” is a good thing! In support of his thesis Alexis cites Stravinsky as an example. This is, however, perhaps an unfortunate choice for comparison, but for two basic reasons. Firstly the composer himself is said to have had a “taste for hard spirits” - but then we all need a bit of help don't we when the muse fails us! Then he was something of a Nazi. Oh dear! Now if Adolf had won the war then that would be a good thing as well. But he didn't, and being a Nazi these days (especially with the current trial going on in Norway) is probably not something you'd particularly want to advertise. But then we guess this is not so much of a problem in “Step Nazi” circles. Thus (as Stravinsky comments):
"I don't believe
that anyone venerates Mussolini more than I... I know many exalted
personages, and my artist's mind does not shrink from political and
social issues. Well, after having seen so many events and so many
more or less representative men, I have an overpowering urge to
render homage to your Duce. He is the saviour of Italy and – let us
hope – Europe". Later, after a private audience with
Mussolini, he added, "Unless my ears deceive me, the voice of
Rome is the voice of Il
Duce. I
told him that I felt like a fascist myself... In spite of being
extremely busy, Mussolini did me the great honour of conversing with
me for three-quarters of an hour. We talked about music, art and
politics".[50]
Moreover
In his general demeanour it would seem that “Stravinsky proved
adept at playing the part
of a 'man of the world', acquiring a keen instinct for business
matters and appearing relaxed and comfortable in public”.
(our
emphasis)
Now
the similarities between our hero and the “stage managed
performances” that characterise cult groups are really beginning to
pile up!
And
finally:
“Stravinsky
was reputed to have been a philanderer and was rumoured to have had
affairs with high-profile partners such as Coco Chanel.”
It
gets better and better! We have complete identification!
But
in a more positive sense, and focussing rather on his professional
prowess, Stravinsky may be regarded primarily as an innovator:
“Stravinsky
is known as "one of music's truly epochal innovators".
The most important aspect of Stravinsky's work, aside from his
technical innovations (including in rhythm and harmony), is the
'changing face' of his compositional style while always 'retaining a
distinctive, essential identity'.
He himself was inspired by different cultures, languages and
literatures. As a consequence, his influence on composers both during
his lifetime and after his death was, and remains, considerable.”
In
other words he had what's called talent, was forward looking, and his “.... style
... always 'retain[ed] a distinctive, essential identity', something
quite far removed from the 'cloning' activities of the R2R group. Now
if we are going to draw any parallels at all between the Road to
Recovery cult group and the “success through scandal” theme we
far prefer Paris Hilton as a candidate, and her by now quite infamous sex tape.
Now we don't have anything in particular against the poor thing; she
is what she is and has to make do with her own unfortunate
circumstances. But let's face it – her life is just about image
and very little else! Bless her but her responsibilities are indeed
limited! The R2R cult group's however are not and yet they behave in
a similarly irresponsible manner, in pursuit always of the limelight,
and by whatever means. Finally their message is composed entirely of
“emotional froth” and lacking completely in weight or substance!
In fact by comparison Paris is starting to look like something of a
philosopher!
As for the references to Bill W in Alexis' 'oeuvre' we really don't think that our co-founder had “success through scandal” in mind when AA's public relations policy was being formulated. Nice try though!
(Sources: Wikipedia)
Cheerio
The
Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)
PS
We are however more than willing to correct any inaccuracies in our
reporting of what goes on in the R2R cult group.
For
example: perhaps it is not
the case that Wayne P
(sponsor to both Alexis K and Jon F and himself sponsored by Clancy I
(Pacific Group – who also sponsored Mike Q (now deceased) –
Midtown Group Washington DC – see here
for more on this delightful collective!) got one of his sponsees
pregnant. Or maybe he only got her a “little bit pregnant”. He
was (still is?) married at the time.
Or
perhaps the numerous independent eyewitness reports we received
concerning the abusive conduct of Alexis K and Jon F towards the
General Secretary of AA were all mistaken
in their interpretation of what took place! (see above)
Or
that Wayne P did not
refer to AA members as “Beano” readers ie. when it came to their
grasp of the recovery programme. But then we have the audio file to
prove it! Tricky eh!
Or
that the R2R cult group never
carried the following adverts on its website for outside
organisations (in its breach – yet again – of the traditions).
And
here
Or
perhaps the lengthy rationalisations presented under the article:
“Misconceptions about RtR” (an ever lengthening list itself!) , and
carried on the group's website, are all quite justified, and it's
all our fault for so misunderstanding
these worthy fellows! Who can say? And why is that no other group
feels the need to provide such an extensive defence? Puzzling!
But
by all means correct us if we have got our facts wrong! In the
meantime enjoy the “success through scandal”. If that's the only
way you can carry “your message” you're welcome!
PPS We never thought Paris Hilton would make it on to our website! Ain't life strange!
