Transformed

One of the most enduring tropes throughout human history is the tale of the undiscovered hero or heroine. Born into lowly estate, perhaps orphaned or illegitimate, our heroine toils for years in anonymity, suffering adversities with dignity, sustained by a dim awareness of a gift lying dormant within them. Through misadventure they will reach the brink of destruction for themselves and for those who have held them up throughout their trials. Then, at the penultimate moment the truth will be revealed, their gift, be it a talent, a power or the revelation of their noble ancestry will be apparent for all to see. Those who taunted or injured them will be punished in due course and they will rise up and restore a just and better world.

If that story sounds familiar you have undoubtedly encountered it in one form or another countless times. It is powerful because it taps into a belief that many of us have harbored at some point in our childhood or beyond. We are waiting to be discovered, to be transformed and to receive our due. If you doubt the pervasive nature of this form of magical thinking you have only to spend a few hours watching TV talent shows. I fell down that rabbit hole one day after seeing a clip from one such show over the course of a season. You know these shows even if you are not a regular viewer, The Voice, America's (or some other country) Got Talent, The X Factor to name a few.

An unknown performer, ranging in age from toddler prodigy to middle aged nervously appears on stage, accompanied in the wings by a fretting even tearful parent or relative. They tell their story briefly and often it may reveal some latent tragedy overcome, or the raison d'etre for their persistent effort to seize this moment--their main chance. They may be common looking, even off putting, but their looks do not tell the tale. It is only when they open their mouths and begin to give voice that their talent is revealed. The greater the disparity in age or appearance from the talent displayed, the wilder the audience reaction.

The judges prompt that reaction with their well practiced eye movements and head shakes as if to say, who knew that this person was so gifted, but of course we suspect it is rehearsed. And as the adulation from audience and judges crescendos we watch knowing that we will see them again. The next time they will be transformed, makeup, clothes, even posture will demonstrate a new born confidence. A band or full orchestra along with backup singers or perhaps a choir will accompany them. This is their 15 minutes of fame--or perhaps their season.

A precious few will go on to become household names--the Susan Boyle's and Adele's, the Adam Lampert's and Kelly Clarkson's. Enough that every audition holds the promise of the transformation, the big break that will launch a career and fulfill the dream.

It is not only an American dream, it is universal; witness the export of these shows to country's throughout the world. And even if this moment frozen in time does not lead to all that has been hoped for, there is a life after the show for some. If you search for the names you will find them turning up in flash mob concerts standing in some shopping mall, city square or public venue as a showcased performer at a seemingly impromptu event.

I have no doubt that centuries from now if we have not destroyed ourselves and our planet some form of the transformation story will continue to unfold. It has already made its way into science fiction literature and movies. We must ask ourselves why this trope persists. What force prompts us to believe we are special, ordained to achieve greatness despite our inauspicious beginnings? Does luck or fate play a part or does this story resonate so strongly because we yearn for recognition, for acceptance, for our moment in the sun?