Some of you may have thought that I fell off the face of the Earth, but I am back to let you know otherwise. I used to be a Gather regular, but as of late I have started to put progressively more and more on my plate hence my absence. The one constant in this world of ours is the stories plastered on today's headlines which are sobering reminders of the world that we live in. From issues in the realm of political, social, crime, education, race.... Better yet, feel free to take your pick from a topic that may be a point of contention for you. There is a growing consensus by many that we 'Americans' are losing our way. Many historians and students of history have are drawing parallels with the fall of Rome and the United States of America in the present. Is this a fair comparison? That is debatable, but the one thing that isn't subject to debate is the need for the community at large from the local, state and national level to flex their proverbial muscle and do something.
I know this call to stand up and do something is a familiar refrain; more often than not it is a call that falls on deaf ears. I was guilty of the same thing. More often than not it is easier to talk a good game versus walking the walk and talking the talk.
Recently, I got off of my anus and took some long delayed action towards finishing graduate school. I also made a commitment with a local high school in Baltimore to work with their students on improving their writing mechanics and producing their first 1st high school newspaper. It is a challenge in working with teenagers from the inner-city but it is one challenge that I take very seriously. I was very surprised at their earnestness and the desire to take themselves to the next level which runs counter to image depicted of many inner-city youth.
In looking at them I can't help but to think back on my high school years and recall the sense of empowerment that being on the high school newspaper gave me. It is my hope that I can provide them with the same. One of the students remarked to me that stereotypes that the general population had of the inner-city and Baltimore in particular made him feel powerless. This started a ripple effect as some of the other students echoed similar commentary using words such as sad, mad, and upset, but what I noticed is that none of them used empowering words. So I posed a question to them... ''What are you going to do about it?" Letting others dictate their destiny based an unfair stereotype of what people may have of them was overwhelmingly rejected much to my relief.
It was at this point that I really felt that I was finally taking advantage of an opportunity to make a much needed contribution in my part of the world versus taking using up oxygen complaining about what is wrong... At long last I can say without flinching about what I am doing to make it right.
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We lived in a pretty challenging neighborhood in Portland as my kids were growing up. There were scary things, but there were also great things about the neighborhood. One woman decided to start a festival called "Good in the 'Hood." It's gotten so popular that you can't park anywhere near it. The food and music are really good, and I got a great pair of shoes there one year. I still get compliments on the shoes.
I used to be in social work, but everybody got laid off in 2003. When my marriage ended in 2005, I went back to school in fitness technology, but it's been a bit of a challenge finding a job as a 57-year old in Oregon. I'm piecing it together with little contract things.
I have volunteered with a group called City Repair. They work to make community space around the city, such as outside clay benches and even community saunas and a community pizza oven in one neighborhood. You can Google for info.
I found your posting through clicking on social justice from one of Kurt Friese's postings. He's from Iowa. I grew up in Maryland, but now live in Oregon. Weird, eh?
Thanks for posting.
Unfortunately (for me and for anyone forced to listen to me) I have a negative streak. I love the positive things of the world -- but I always anticipate negative results.
I am delighted with your happiness in seeing the fruits of your efforts, and it would be great if everything you taught these young people was embraced, carried forward, and will multiply to the betterment of us all.
And you know what, maybe that will happen.
But please don't be disappointed if it doesn't.
It has been my experience that good efforts have to be repeated, oh .... seven-fold, to take hold.
But that's my negative streak.
My positive streak is yelling and stomping up and down, shouting "Hey, at least he's doing something. If everyone had YOUR attitude, nothing, and I mean NOTHING, would get done. EVER!"
So you have my complete approval for your efforts.
I will hope for the best, and keep my expectations to myself.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your article. You have shed light at the end of the tunnel for many. Especially for those who have genuine concerns similiar to yours, that don't have a clue as what to do to make a difference! Good for you! I my self work with the handicapped. That can be a rather difficult task to accomplish as well... Keep on WALKING THE WALK and TALKING THE TALK my friend. May you have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Thanks for sharing, but more importantly, thanks for doing a good thing in a meaningful way. You are missed, but it is wonderful to know you are up to good.
keep at it.
happy Holidays
I will continue my mission and wish all success to you. Please read my New Years 2008 article. I will see you in the crosswalk my friend!
Though America may well be on the skids, it is not that no one is trying to do anything, but rather that there is no consensus, or even a broad-based public discussion that seeks to arrive at a consensus, of what it is that should be done.
A lot of the movements that seem to gain steam and public support appear to be about deconstructing government and the civil society rather than building on the things done in the post World War II years that made America pre-eminent in the world. The Keynesian economic policies that made America powerful, influential, wealthy and created the largest middle class in the history of the world are now rejected in favour of the idea of small government and small dreams. Low taxes and individual "freedom" trumps everything.
Unfortunately, there is not much in the way of shared vision that can come from low taxes and individuality alone.
I came to Gather as a downtrodden writer who had lost his mojo (not unlike Austin Powers mind you). And through your encouragement and positive energy all of you...... And I mean ALL of you have helped me to reach a plateau where I can finally begin to walk the proverbial talk.... God bless you all... I truly have love for each of you!
A High School Teacher down Georgia