“There are times when my journal writing includes thoughts and ideas that were instigated by midnight insomnia and other quiet times when random unanswerable questions take over. While in Joliet for a few days, I wrote some responses (not answers) to those questions.”
Ownership is a Fallacy
To think that I own a piece of property, house, my DVDs, or car is fictitious. It is much more accurate and truthful to understand that, at best, I rent or lease everything. Including my body.
Think about it. I only possess my thoughts and spirit. “Cogito, ergo sum.” (“I think, therefore I am.” Descarte)
Through my labor over the years, I have maintained a certain amount of rent currency, or credit, to pay for temporary housing and food, and to sustain my existence on a minor planet that is hurling and twirling through the universe. For this, I am forever thankful for gravity, oxygen, an intricate food chain. Plants and animals sacrifice their lives so that I might hang around for these 82 years.
And how about the thousands of human teammates that provide living support?
It is a given that at some point, yet undefined, that I will shed the personal physical capsule and arrive at a new destination, also undefined at the moment. Given the unlimited bodily attributes that could have been bestowed, I was lucky to have been endowed with what I have. There are scores of people not as lucky as I have been.
So, we might reconsider our notion that we “own” anything. We merely hope for an extension on the lease for as long as possible.
“More of them than us.”
I have often wondered what is meant with that 3rd person plural pronoun. “They” or “Them.” As with everyone else, I am prone to ask rhetorically, “When will they get this road fixed.” Or “What are they going to use this building for?”
In both examples, the ubiquitous “they” is an unknown entity that we recognize as powerful mysterious groups of people who work behind closed doors and make things happen. And we really don’t care if “they” ever reveal themselves as long as the job gets done.
In other cases, we know who “they” are. “They will be rolling out the tarp pretty soon and the game will be delayed.” They obviously are the grounds crew at a baseball game with ominous dark clouds looming above.
In Conversations Today
I occasionally hear people comment, “Pretty soon, there will be more of them than us.” It should be noted that us are white folks and them are black or brown people.
It’s odd that we sometimes categorize human beings by only certain physical features, as in black, brown, or white. Not one of these categories accurately depicts skin colors. No one is really black, brown, or white. (Why not use artists’ skin color palettes: umber, golden, espresso, porcelain, ivory, beige, natural, sienna, honey, almond, amber, and chocolate.)
Few folks divide and vilify human “thems” by weight, height, age, or nose/head size.
A Chance to Become a Model for the World
Euro/Americans (white people) in the United States amount to about 60% of the population. Latino (19%), Blacks (12%), and Asians (6%) follow. In contrast, most European countries are over 90% white which easily make them the most dominant culture. Only France has a black population of 10%.
By 2050, Euro/Americans in the U.S. will be 47%, and Hispanic, Black, and Asian combining for 51%. Meanwhile, one of fastest growing demographic will be in the “multiracial” category. So, just deal with it.
In the future, the United States could become the “diversity model for democracy” for the world if we can figure it out. The rest of the world will be far behind us.
Collaboration over Competition
Replacing Ego and “Win-Lose” Inclinations
Instead of viewing life as a “win-lose” proposition, might we consider a “win-win” approach? Individuals who perceive competition as an “us versus them” game might consider competition as “me versus me” challenge. How can I become a better leader/human being every day?
Otherwise, with whom or what are we competing? Other people? Worldly rewards? Power? Money?
Or myself to do better for others?
Why are We Here?
Primary consideration should be given to making the world a better place for our grandkids. A better situation for those who haven’t had the good fortune that we have had in life. The preservation and well-being of future generations are fundamental parts in our DNA. The reasons for advancements in civilization.
A “bunker” mentality collides with a “common good” mentality. “I don’t care about anyone else; I am taking care of me and, perhaps, my immediate family. The hell with everyone else.”
The “common good” mentality is consistent with an attitude of “We’re all in this thing together. My family includes all human beings. And all living things.”
Seeing God and Goodness in All things
Regardless of your religious beliefs, it is possible to see the world and its inhabitants through “good-tinted” glasses. (Although I still have my doubts about certain insects like mosquitoes.) Even with the absence of human beings, nature can survive through its delicate balance. The world and its inhabitants are awash with magnificence if we take the time to unseal our senses.
The challenge is to instill and re-invigorate the value of treating one another with the sense of decency and respect. We owe it to one another and, especially, to the grandkids and the environment they will be living in. Make it a win-win, not a win-lose.
“Break your mirrors. Shatter the glass. In our society that is so self-absorbed, begin to look less at yourself and more at each other.”
Sargent Shriver
Braidwood Beginnings 