The Revolution Will, Most Certainly, Not Be Televised
It began with an obnoxious University of Florida student. A student who, exercising his right of free speech, “disturbs the peace” at a John Kerry rally. The police, while performing their duty to remove said student, use what can arguably be referred to as “excessive force.” He cried out for help but no one came to his aid. Almost immediately afterwards, the popular comedic “news corres-pundit” Stephen Colbert, addresses the fact that even though this particular event occurred in the presence of many of his peers, no one even flinched. He called us lazy, he called us children who resort to writing about their frustrations instead of being proactive. He was right. The consequent episode featured Colbert reading excerpts from emails and blogs written by fellow college students who denounced Colbert for chastising young America as a whole. The only thing accomplished was proving his point.
For the first time in history, the twenty-something age group is being considered as “extended adolescence” instead of adult-hood. And we, as members of the same generation, have grown complacent with this fact. As we watch our society deteriorate around us, we log onto our blogs, onto Facebook, and YouTube, and bear witness to the atrocities carried out in our name and do nothing.
We are products of a society which values personal success over community coherence and we’ve done them proud. We languish in our commercial prizes: in our iPods, our Coach purses, and wallow in the comfort of our alcohol. We trust that because the United States of America is the most powerful nation in the world, that we will be absolved from any responsibility regarding the horrific treatment of our fellow humans. When asked about the state of current affairs, one college student said, “Why should we reach out to Darfur when they’re just hashing out their own civil war, it isn’t our responsibility, is it?” Out of sight, out of mind, I suppose. Even though we see what is happening around us, it has become commonplace to ignore current events simply because they are not national problems. To most Americans, proximity is everything.
I say that it is our responsibility. It is up to us to make sure that our world is fit to live in, not only for us and our children, but also for our neighbors, which, with the advances in technology, has expanded to include the global community. Now more than ever our nation is dependent on others to conserve our way of life and yet we continually take this for granted. We assume the status quo will be maintained as long as we follow the road that our government has laid out for us, regardless of any unethical methods chosen by those in power.
The real question is: why do we follow the word and examples of peoples who obviously act in their own fiscal interest as opposed to the greater good of humanity? After all, what is a few billion dollars when compared to thousands of human lives? We consistently and blindly follow the members of our government simply because they are supposed to know better. Do they? Are we not capable of knowing as much about human suffering as they? The bottom line is that these things are happening. There is a genocide occurring in Darfur that the televised press are refusing to play because it’s bad for national morale. There are hundreds of women and children slaughtered daily because foreign intervention is denied to them. Worldwide, thousands of people are dying of starvation and violence. The evidence is only a few clicks away.
In Myanmar, or Burma as it is more commonly known, the population has recently banned together to depose the totalitarian government which has been known (and recorded by undercover journalists; enter “Burma” in the YouTube search field) to butcher its citizen, torch whole villages, and torture those seeking democracy. Burma is a country in which its citizens are taking their fates in their own hands and struggling for their human rights. They are staging a revolution that begins with an idea and ends in non-violent action. In this we should follow the Burmese example: A people united for the common good, regardless of any superficial characteristics like sex or religion.
This idea is not exclusive to a small group of liberals, it is being addressed by religious leaders such as His Holiness the Dalai Lama who has proposed “A Spiritual Revolution” in his book Ethics for the New Millennium. An idea which is so interesting it is almost tempting to carry out. Why not? Why not stage an ethical revolution where we come together to fight (pardon my idealism) the evil of the world with weapons of understanding and compassion instead of bullets and knives? Why not do something with our lives and stand up for what we believe in for once? We are greater together than they give us credit for! Let us prove our elders wrong in their false conception of our laziness, of our lack of passion and morality. Let us be the generation that everyone remembers. Let us fight for the rights and lives of others. For equality and empathy, “with liberty and justice for all.” Viva la Revolution!
x EveryMan
Friday, October 19, 2007
Friday, October 5, 2007
PATRIA ES HUMANIDAD*
Lesson 3:
Narrow the Socio-Economical Divide.
The basic principles of most eastern religions center themselves around balance. The balance between good and evil, between dark and light, and of course, between rich and poor. This principle, indeed, plays an integral part in the injustice of modern world economy and how it affects those on the losing end.
American represents less than 5% of the world's population and yet we account for 50% of the world's market. How is it that one country has such absolute economic power while other countries struggle to survive? It boggles the mind to think that half of the combined incomes of the wealthy 1% would eradicate world hunger. It raises the question: should we be held responsible for the dying, helpless, and sick when we "work so hard" for our money? It is appalling that such a large portion of this country's population feels no responsibility for our global community. Has the "Good Samaritan" parable taught us nothing?
"In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. \The next day he took out two silver coins[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have."
-Luke 10:30-36
You can also consider this idea in a non-theological way, you could say perhaps:
"if I am walking past a shallow pond and see a child drowning in it, I ought to wade in and pull the child out. This will mean getting my clothes muddy, but this is insignificant, while the death of the child would presumably be a very bad thing."
-Peter Singer, "Famine, Affluence, and Morality" Philosophy and Public Affairs, vol. 1, no. 1 (Spring 1972), pp. 229-243 [revised edition]
How can we consider ourselves good people when we can nonchalantly sentence people to die? There is something very wrong with a world who praises charity work because it isn't "required." We should all be doing whatever we can to help our fellow human. We are living in the age of the internet. Of an infinite possibility for information and communication. Anything that you could probably want to know is available at a click of a mouse. So is world news thrust into our field of vision with the media. Images of tragic human suffering along with accompanying stories fill websites like DemocracyNow.org and YouTube.com. No one can use the excuse that they just "didn't know." We all know what's going on... we must now do something about it.
The biggest problem is the giant economical divide separating us from third world countries. Of all the world's resources and products, the United States holds such a large portion that other lands are left barren wastelands. Above American companies raping foreign soil, we have our own government wreaking havoc in places where we have some economical interest (read: how much can we gain by paying the least?) These shady economical practices have left many of the world without funds, without natural resources, without medical care, without functioning governments, and without food. We have grossly tipped the balance in our favor so that we may enjoy everything while others scrape away with little, or worse, have nothing. Can the country go on this way in good conscience? We have always prided ourselves on our thirst for justice, but do we live up to that image? If people would give up just some of their unnecessary luxuries and instead donated it to a worthy case, perhaps most of our global epidemics would see their end. How hard would it be to pass up that Coach purse, that dinner out to Chili's, or that new substandard blockbuster film when it would means a life? If we gave away just a fraction of what we spend on ourselves, we can give hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, a chance to live better, fuller, more healthier lives. It is up to us to help those who cannot help themselves as a result of oppression.
Please, worthy causes are just a second a way, search an organization and enjoy the karma.
*Because "the only real nation is humanity." (Kidder, 209)
Simply,
EveryMan
___
Kidder, Tracy. Mountains Beyond Mountains.
Narrow the Socio-Economical Divide.
The basic principles of most eastern religions center themselves around balance. The balance between good and evil, between dark and light, and of course, between rich and poor. This principle, indeed, plays an integral part in the injustice of modern world economy and how it affects those on the losing end.
American represents less than 5% of the world's population and yet we account for 50% of the world's market. How is it that one country has such absolute economic power while other countries struggle to survive? It boggles the mind to think that half of the combined incomes of the wealthy 1% would eradicate world hunger. It raises the question: should we be held responsible for the dying, helpless, and sick when we "work so hard" for our money? It is appalling that such a large portion of this country's population feels no responsibility for our global community. Has the "Good Samaritan" parable taught us nothing?
"In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. \The next day he took out two silver coins[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have."
-Luke 10:30-36
You can also consider this idea in a non-theological way, you could say perhaps:
"if I am walking past a shallow pond and see a child drowning in it, I ought to wade in and pull the child out. This will mean getting my clothes muddy, but this is insignificant, while the death of the child would presumably be a very bad thing."
-Peter Singer, "Famine, Affluence, and Morality" Philosophy and Public Affairs, vol. 1, no. 1 (Spring 1972), pp. 229-243 [revised edition]
How can we consider ourselves good people when we can nonchalantly sentence people to die? There is something very wrong with a world who praises charity work because it isn't "required." We should all be doing whatever we can to help our fellow human. We are living in the age of the internet. Of an infinite possibility for information and communication. Anything that you could probably want to know is available at a click of a mouse. So is world news thrust into our field of vision with the media. Images of tragic human suffering along with accompanying stories fill websites like DemocracyNow.org and YouTube.com. No one can use the excuse that they just "didn't know." We all know what's going on... we must now do something about it.
The biggest problem is the giant economical divide separating us from third world countries. Of all the world's resources and products, the United States holds such a large portion that other lands are left barren wastelands. Above American companies raping foreign soil, we have our own government wreaking havoc in places where we have some economical interest (read: how much can we gain by paying the least?) These shady economical practices have left many of the world without funds, without natural resources, without medical care, without functioning governments, and without food. We have grossly tipped the balance in our favor so that we may enjoy everything while others scrape away with little, or worse, have nothing. Can the country go on this way in good conscience? We have always prided ourselves on our thirst for justice, but do we live up to that image? If people would give up just some of their unnecessary luxuries and instead donated it to a worthy case, perhaps most of our global epidemics would see their end. How hard would it be to pass up that Coach purse, that dinner out to Chili's, or that new substandard blockbuster film when it would means a life? If we gave away just a fraction of what we spend on ourselves, we can give hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, a chance to live better, fuller, more healthier lives. It is up to us to help those who cannot help themselves as a result of oppression.
Please, worthy causes are just a second a way, search an organization and enjoy the karma.
*Because "the only real nation is humanity." (Kidder, 209)
Simply,
EveryMan
___
Kidder, Tracy. Mountains Beyond Mountains.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Lesson Two
2. Increase your capacity for compassion. Some of these images may be upsetting and hard to bear, but we must witness the atrocities carried out in the world to better understand how we can help. We must make ourselves knowledgeable of the suffering that is being created in the world to become better Moral Agents (or those who act upon their morals to end suffering.)
Burma:
Darfur:
Haiti:
These are only a few examples of the human tragedies going on right now, this second. You, who have seen these, you can do something about. You must do something about it. Together, we can do something about it. It would be a travesty for a fellow human to shirk his duty to his brother by ignoring what is currently plaguing the world we live in.
A good way to start is by donating money to charitable organizations which directly help those who need help the most:
Unicef
http://www.unicef.org/
Save Darfur
http://www.savedarfur.org/content?splash=yes
Partners in Health- Haiti
http://www.pih.org/youcando/donate.html
Burma:
Darfur:
Haiti:
These are only a few examples of the human tragedies going on right now, this second. You, who have seen these, you can do something about. You must do something about it. Together, we can do something about it. It would be a travesty for a fellow human to shirk his duty to his brother by ignoring what is currently plaguing the world we live in.
A good way to start is by donating money to charitable organizations which directly help those who need help the most:
Unicef
http://www.unicef.org/
Save Darfur
http://www.savedarfur.org/content?splash=yes
Partners in Health- Haiti
http://www.pih.org/youcando/donate.html
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
The Beginning
My reluctance at giving in to blogging is almost insurmountable. The truth is, that out of all my options, the internet has the most capacity for reaching the greatest number of people. It has come to my attention, as I am sure it has come to yours (or in any case, it will have once you're done reading this,) the unethical and inhumane treatment of roughly sixty percent of the population. I know I can't expect an army of people to instantly give up part of their lives to ensure the survival of others, but I can try.
I am an American. I believe in the values and ideals of this country; nothing compares to it. I believe in our constitution and in the idea that "all men are created equal." I also consider myself a spiritual person, that's right, I am a Christian. Even more important than the previous two, I am human.
What does it mean to be human? To want, to need, and most of all, to suffer. It is one of my beliefs that suffering is the only true equalizer, in that it inflicts us all regardless of age, race, sex, or economic station (though the level of sufferance can artificially be altered by the accumulation of material things). I think this reality, that of "World Suffering", is lost on the privileged masses that center their whole lives on themselves and the people closest to them. Frankly that isn't enough, that can't be enough. If we are to change the world in a manner which it has never seen, we cannot continue to sell ourselves short and resign ourselves to "just one person can't make a difference." So let us begin with lesson one:
1. All People Suffer. It's hard for us to comprehend the fact that others, apart and foreign from ourselves, suffer as we do. The fact of the matter is that most people who inhabit the earth can be said to suffer more acutely. When was the last time you went without a meal? When was the last time you went a month without a meal? When was the last time you saw your child die at the hands of a brutal military regime? We've all suffered at some point, felt the pain of heartbreak, of death and hunger, but we tend to forget that this pain is not the worst this world as seen. Yes, it can be said that we've bred a nation of selfishness, but we can change that.
Suffering is a religious fundamental. In buddhism, this is the core of the Four Noble Truths:
1. Life means suffering.
2. The origin of suffering is attachment
3. The cessation of suffering is attainable
4. The path to the cessation of suffering (The Eight Fold Path, which I will go into detail on later)
If it is true that life is suffering, then it would not be incorrect to assume that we all suffer. If the origin of suffering is attachment, then it also stands to say that our suffering is interconnect in such a way that one person's suffering is caused by another (the attachment of human beings). Going even further, it wouldn't be insane to hypothesize that in preventing or stopping the suffering of others we then prevent and, indeed, cease our own suffering. Our happiness is directly linked to others, possibly even to people we haven't even met.
In this matter, I high recommend His Holiness The Dalai Lama's book Ethics for a New Millennium, which directly illustrates the interconnectivity of our world community and how what we do here affects what happens across the world.
Similarly, in Christianity, suffering and, more importantly, those who suffer are the chosen people of God and are said to have infinitely more than their more successful counterparts.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth."
-Matthew 5:1-6
Don't be confused by what this passage reads, it doesn't promote being poor or suffering, only that those who suffer the most in life, reap the most rewards in the afterlife. The passage, too, reads:
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
-Matthew 5:6-10
This is to say, that those who practice the word of God, who are righteous and act in His name are also blessed in the name of the Lord. What better way to reclaim your faith than by acting in God's name and doing His will? Jesus speaks to us all in this passage and reminds us that, while we may suffer, we can ultimately become better people, nourishing our souls in such a way that precedes Heavenly splendor. We can show people mercy, make peace, and be pure of heart because this is how God intended for us to be. Of course, no one is perfect, and while we all make mistakes, it is important to remember that we must always do the best we can and strive to show these good qualities to others without pride. We must help others as God helps us on this plane of existence.
I understand that this may be hard to swallow for some people, and even though I haven't said anything that has not been discussed or isn't "new," I believe it's important for me to try my hardest to open the eyes of as many people as possible. I suppose I've taken this mission unto myself because I feel such a strong conviction that the fate of many is my responsibility. Indeed, we are all responsible for one another, in that sense, we are our brother's keeper.
I also believe it is important to tell you how I got here. Not too long ago, I was one of the uneducated, one of the blind who couldn't see anything further than the state line. Why does the happiness of someone so far away, completely alien to me, affect me as I am now? I brooded over this though for about two months, thinking about those less fortunate than me as well the state of my family. How could one possibly equal the other. My family is my family... their importance is paramount. Then a though struck me "Those who are dying, sick and hungry, are someone's family, too. Are loved and love people and their loss is equal to mine because all humans feel the same emotions." Next, I mentally put my family in those situation which are the least humane. In the car on the way home, my body shook with the intensity of my weeping. For about twenty minutes I felt the weight of human suffering and through tears I tried to purge my body of the sick feeling of pure pain. For a little while my soul was aligned to those out there who suffered and I felt what they felt. I had suddenly grown a larger capacity for compassion.
Perhaps, dear reader, this doesn't mean anything to you. But I can assure you that if you think the same things, you will more than likely come to the same conclusion. And why fight it? You and I can change this world for the better; for our children, for our grandchildren... maybe even for us. I ask that all who read this search their hearts, you will find the answer: The true key to happiness is ensuring other's happiness."
I very sincerely love you all,
Every Man
I am an American. I believe in the values and ideals of this country; nothing compares to it. I believe in our constitution and in the idea that "all men are created equal." I also consider myself a spiritual person, that's right, I am a Christian. Even more important than the previous two, I am human.
What does it mean to be human? To want, to need, and most of all, to suffer. It is one of my beliefs that suffering is the only true equalizer, in that it inflicts us all regardless of age, race, sex, or economic station (though the level of sufferance can artificially be altered by the accumulation of material things). I think this reality, that of "World Suffering", is lost on the privileged masses that center their whole lives on themselves and the people closest to them. Frankly that isn't enough, that can't be enough. If we are to change the world in a manner which it has never seen, we cannot continue to sell ourselves short and resign ourselves to "just one person can't make a difference." So let us begin with lesson one:
1. All People Suffer. It's hard for us to comprehend the fact that others, apart and foreign from ourselves, suffer as we do. The fact of the matter is that most people who inhabit the earth can be said to suffer more acutely. When was the last time you went without a meal? When was the last time you went a month without a meal? When was the last time you saw your child die at the hands of a brutal military regime? We've all suffered at some point, felt the pain of heartbreak, of death and hunger, but we tend to forget that this pain is not the worst this world as seen. Yes, it can be said that we've bred a nation of selfishness, but we can change that.
Suffering is a religious fundamental. In buddhism, this is the core of the Four Noble Truths:
1. Life means suffering.
2. The origin of suffering is attachment
3. The cessation of suffering is attainable
4. The path to the cessation of suffering (The Eight Fold Path, which I will go into detail on later)
If it is true that life is suffering, then it would not be incorrect to assume that we all suffer. If the origin of suffering is attachment, then it also stands to say that our suffering is interconnect in such a way that one person's suffering is caused by another (the attachment of human beings). Going even further, it wouldn't be insane to hypothesize that in preventing or stopping the suffering of others we then prevent and, indeed, cease our own suffering. Our happiness is directly linked to others, possibly even to people we haven't even met.
In this matter, I high recommend His Holiness The Dalai Lama's book Ethics for a New Millennium, which directly illustrates the interconnectivity of our world community and how what we do here affects what happens across the world.
Similarly, in Christianity, suffering and, more importantly, those who suffer are the chosen people of God and are said to have infinitely more than their more successful counterparts.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth."
-Matthew 5:1-6
Don't be confused by what this passage reads, it doesn't promote being poor or suffering, only that those who suffer the most in life, reap the most rewards in the afterlife. The passage, too, reads:
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
-Matthew 5:6-10
This is to say, that those who practice the word of God, who are righteous and act in His name are also blessed in the name of the Lord. What better way to reclaim your faith than by acting in God's name and doing His will? Jesus speaks to us all in this passage and reminds us that, while we may suffer, we can ultimately become better people, nourishing our souls in such a way that precedes Heavenly splendor. We can show people mercy, make peace, and be pure of heart because this is how God intended for us to be. Of course, no one is perfect, and while we all make mistakes, it is important to remember that we must always do the best we can and strive to show these good qualities to others without pride. We must help others as God helps us on this plane of existence.
I understand that this may be hard to swallow for some people, and even though I haven't said anything that has not been discussed or isn't "new," I believe it's important for me to try my hardest to open the eyes of as many people as possible. I suppose I've taken this mission unto myself because I feel such a strong conviction that the fate of many is my responsibility. Indeed, we are all responsible for one another, in that sense, we are our brother's keeper.
I also believe it is important to tell you how I got here. Not too long ago, I was one of the uneducated, one of the blind who couldn't see anything further than the state line. Why does the happiness of someone so far away, completely alien to me, affect me as I am now? I brooded over this though for about two months, thinking about those less fortunate than me as well the state of my family. How could one possibly equal the other. My family is my family... their importance is paramount. Then a though struck me "Those who are dying, sick and hungry, are someone's family, too. Are loved and love people and their loss is equal to mine because all humans feel the same emotions." Next, I mentally put my family in those situation which are the least humane. In the car on the way home, my body shook with the intensity of my weeping. For about twenty minutes I felt the weight of human suffering and through tears I tried to purge my body of the sick feeling of pure pain. For a little while my soul was aligned to those out there who suffered and I felt what they felt. I had suddenly grown a larger capacity for compassion.
Perhaps, dear reader, this doesn't mean anything to you. But I can assure you that if you think the same things, you will more than likely come to the same conclusion. And why fight it? You and I can change this world for the better; for our children, for our grandchildren... maybe even for us. I ask that all who read this search their hearts, you will find the answer: The true key to happiness is ensuring other's happiness."
I very sincerely love you all,
Every Man
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)