One passage that stands out to me is the โLesson 3: Feel Free to Imitate.โ Imitation is usually viewed negatively and is technically a form of theft. It also discredits the person imitating and it wouldnโt let them show their identity and their perspective. However, this passage is saying that copying is fine, as long as you build upon it. This passage uses imagery like using the words โgigantic stadiumโ to let the readers imagine their inspirations and imaginations being vast and large. The use of the phrase โThis is your house now,โ empowers the readers to take an idea and build upon it and do whatever they want with it, to make it their own. It takes the narrative of being a passive imitator to being an active creator who can shape and redefine the space they are put within. It gives a sense of ownership and belonging to the world of creativity.
This resonated with me as a dancer. In dance, there are only so many ways you can move a not-so-flexible body. I am also not a very creative person so when my directors tell me to come up with a 30 second choreography, I start panicking. I can choose a song that I really like but the moves just never come to me. However, I would always find a move that I really like and find a place to put it and go from there. This passage validates a creative process that may be frowned upon at the beginning as it includes imitation but it empowers the reader to take something that already exists and make it their own. It acknowledges the idea that starting by copying others is natural but ultimately, the goal is to evolve, take risks, and assert oneโs individuality within the broader creative landscape.