Olivia new age? letter
What the heck is New Age?
Is there anyone out there in SPEAK OUT land who knows about a new kind of faith or religion called the “New Age Movement?”
I saw an author on a religious talk show who wrote a book about the so-called New Age effects on the theatrical films and TV shows.
This author said that the New Age movement has, of course, been around for many years but in regards to movies, it really didn’t take off, so to speak, with a few exceptions until the beginning of the 1980s and in his opinion, the first film that in a very subtle and blantant way was the movie “Xanadu” starring Olivia Newton John. He said the character that Olivia played and the lyrics of many of the songs, particularly, “Magic” is strongly New Age.
Now, I have the record soundtrack from the movie and I read the lyrics from the record sleeve and you would have to really and I do mean “really” stretch the point to make any kind of argument that there is some sort of New Age subversive message in the soundtrack.
This author claims that things have gotten so much worse since then, but he really kind of hit my button when he picked on one of my favorite singers and a nice pleasant little musical like “Xanadu.” Apparently to this stupid author, Olivia is either her, herself a leader of the New Age movement in Australia or a very naive dupe.
Apparently this author didn’t know through all his brilliant research what she was. What garbage!
I’m a fairly conservative Christian and my family and I have been fans of Olivia’s music and her as a person for a long time. But how in the heck can a person just come out and say all these stupid things?
I could see that you make some sort of point by picking on some heavy metal music group or groups into satanic rites because I do believe that there is some of that criticism that is on the level. But picking on a terrific lady like Olivia Newton John or being some sort of New Age guru or some-thing is so stupid and ridiculous that it really boggles the imagination.
Any comments?
Answer:
New Age is a term loosely used to cover developments in every thing from self-improvement to music. It is not a religion in the usual sense, but it does stress spirituality and self-awareness.
Labeling a Newton-John song New Age is not an insult. If you want to know more about it, head for the public library or the book store. Reams have been written about it.
Editor’s note: the letter writer would find that some of Olivia’s later albums, in particular Grace and Gratitude, would be classified as spiritual music.