I find this simple statement to convey an urgent truth about society. If there is one idea that is salient throughout our culture, it is that we should do everything in our power to foster growth, to advance. However, if there is one lesson to be learned that is essential to our survival, it is that the pursuit of this ideal can only lead to devastation. History has shown us that such attempts at limitless expansion almost always lead to collapse (think Roman Empire). I am reminded of the term "too big to fail", often used to describe the nature of our largest banking entities. I hate this term, because the harsh reality is that failure does not discriminate. All things can fail, and will, if they are poorly operated. The only difference is that when the big things go down, they tend to bring many of the smaller things with them. Continuing to quote Josh, "we need to address the fundamentally unsustainable nature of, well, everything we do". As I mentioned in my last post, a fundamental paradigm shift is needed. Without such a change, I believe whole heartedly that we are doomed.
So, you ask, what could bring about such a revolutionary change? How can we be saved from our evil ways? I would contend that, ultimately, it will require support from America's greatest addiction, the main stream media. Anyone who has watched television in the last decade is probably giggling at this seemingly laughable prospect. Media cooperation, I realize, is a tall order, so lets start with ground level thinking. What can we do RIGHT NOW to inspire responsibility and consciousness among the masses? Simply put, we must find a way to promote the spread of ideas. Luckily, the world today is loaded with opportunity to do just that. Lets take a look at one...
As a few of you know, I have been an avid blogger for a few months now. Despite the effort that I have put into my writing, I have intentionally limited my readership to family and close friends; only recently have I become comfortable with the idea of large audiences. Now that I have deemed my writing worthy of a slight increase in readership, I have begun dual postings on Facebook and, as usual, blogger.com. The result has been tremendous. My ideas are being met with incredibly thoughtful and well articulated responses from many of the most intelligent people I have had the pleasure of knowing. Both friends and mere acquaintances are showing their burning desire to communicate, to have their voice heard, to show that they want to make a difference. I think we are all united by the fact that we have a vested interest in the outcome of this whole thing, though many people seem to deny themselves this essential realization. For those of us who are ready to accept our social responsibilities, let us be free to utilize our potential through the interpersonal spread of knowledge and innovation. The time to be shy and unsure of oneself has surely passed. These difficult times require a strong voice from our generation. American 20 somethings are the link between the old way of doing things and the unforeseen future. What will this future hold? We must decide this for ourselves.
If you agree with this sentiment, allow me to ask a favor of you. Make yourself heard. Write a thoughtful response this or any other post. Or, if you are feeling brave, write a post of your own. If you find yourself questioning your intelligence or the value of your opinions, DON'T. I promise, you have something to say and people will find it refreshing that you are willing to share. Do this and you will soon see that Facebook has the potential to become something so much more, a remarkably powerful engine for social change.
Find inspiration, share your thoughts. Our future depends on it.
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