Framing a Masterpiece

I can remember when the TV series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (commonly referred to as CSI) use to be one of my favorite shows of all time; the show that trailed the investigations of a team of Las Vegas forensic scientists as they unveiled the circumstances behind mysterious and unusual deaths and other crimes.  Now, reasoning that I decided to even bring up this random TV show, is because of the theme song that would kick off the show each time it aired.

 “Who are you?” would be sung by Daltrey and The Who continuously throughout the opening.  But truly, think about the words of that song.  Who are you?  What defines and creates who you are?  How have did come to be the person you are today?  Ultimately, what factors frame your life?  Who are you? 

            Frames can consist of many things in life, such as our nationality, religion, race, gender, social and economical status, sexual orientation, and upbringing. As we allow these questions to churn in our minds, let’s take this concept of frames and explore the frames of Bessie Head, and her novel, A Question of Power.

            As we look into the life of Bessie Head we find ourselves looking into a unique situation where we find someone who does not share the same frames that most of us are usually brought up in. Bessie Head having been born from a much despised unity of black and white has lived as an outcast from society. Being an outsider, she has lost any sense of belonging to any nationality, race or social status. Lacking these certain frames that most of us are usually brought up in makes it hard for most of us to even understand the situations that Bessie Head goes through.

            But can you really live through life without acquiring any frames? Is it really possible to live without any frames? The answer is clear that each and every one of us live in frames whether we know it or not. I believe that Bessie has many frames that she lives through, but only lacks the frames that the majority of us are raised in. By not having the frames such as nationality, race, or social status I believe Bessie creates or falls into other frames that we never see or know even exists.  I myself fall into many frames that others may not fall under, and that most people do not see as a visible frame from the outside. 

As I think about my own life, I know there are many frames that make up those parts of who I am, and some are even frames that I can mask from those I do not want knowing about those particular aspects of my life.  Some of these frames I have full control over, and some I do not.  Nevertheless, these frames are each a fundamental component of our every being.  Just as a home needs frames to form the outline and foundation, and a piece of art needs it to complete its masterpiece, we too as humans need frames to showcase our greatness and uniqueness; while safeguarding our existence.

After analyzing the life of Bessie Head through the idea of frames it is very clear that we all live in frames. Whether we know it or not we have these certain frames built into our daily lives and they will always be there. It’s just a matter of truth.  What frames leading your life?