CULTURAL LITERACY:
Powerbrokers, influencers, and icons – their occasional populist affectations notwithstanding – are found in greatest number among the cultured elite. If you can’t tell a Viogner from a Cabernet, Don Imus may appreciate your support, but don’t expect even him to tarry in your booth at Sardi’s. More importantly than these people’s attention you will need is their respectful attention. You’ll get that most reliably by speaking their actual language – not just the one with which they amuse their public.
The one fact I’ve hoped most to demonstrate to you throughout this book is that, as a publicist dealing with the cognoscenti of our aesthetic, social and political life, you will find sophistication in matters of comportment, taste and intellect not optional to your work, but essential. More than a few of your editors, producers and writers hold their task on par with that of the serious artists, authors and thinkers of their age; cultural mastery is nothing less than these people’s professional raison d’être.
Knowing this, and simply knowing New York City, you must work to attain a cultural vocabulary. Cultural literacy does not consist in memorizing some hallowed list of names, events, works, and movements. Rather, it is something you can only truly understand by pursuing it as a lifestyle.
New York City is, by far, the best place in the world to study human anthropology. No comparison – people, places, art, theatre, dining, writing, dancing…even parambulating. Culturally speaking, New York City is a consummate garden, quite simply the best place to cultivate the senses in harmony with the mind. It should then be no surprise that this is the city where cultural awareness also counts most. When you first move here it can be daunting to assimilate to any circle, much less a highly cultured one; nonetheless, earning acceptance to the latter will prove forever valuable.
A dear friend of mine, Aaron Alden (owner of the renowned Robot Repair), gave me so much sanctuary when I first moved here. He said, without reservation, that it takes 3 yrs to settle into New York City’s rhythm. And after 10 years, I still feel like there is impressive room to grow in new cultural directions.
ABT’s new prima ballerina, what’s opening at the Met, the Central Park Conservancy’s upcoming season: you may not be ready to assert yourself in these conversations, but take the opportunity to listen. Seriously. Later, investigate. To acquire cultural terminology, concepts, and eventually opinions takes less brilliance than time. As well as a little devotion. Breadth is thin without detail, while depth is tedious without variety. Seek both with ardor.
Edification may not instantly gratify, of course. My older brother use to hammer me with the order to “accept the burden of thought”. Truly, words to live by. To refine your interests and investigate unfamiliar subjects requires persistence over time. So when Weekend At Bernie’s II is singing the Siren’s song, while The Forsythe Saga gathers dust on the nightstand, remind yourself of the opportunities you can create only through continued growth.
