Music, culture & politics. We'll also update Whitee's recording progress.
Are you a patriot? I don't believe in the concept of patriotism. Not for the US or France or North Korea or Iraq. It's man-made. Patriotism is based on government, which handles invisible, man-made borders. What about the "patriots" of Yugoslavia? The concept of patriotism is forced on people by dictators who do not want the people to question or think for themselves. We've allowed ourselves to have our rights taken away so that we don't feel comfortable, and we use patriotism as an excuse for our laziness. And the more difficult things become for us intellectually, the more we retreat into mindless diversions.
I aspire for not only "my" country, but for the world to become more humanist. Humanism does not necessarily contradict spirtualism, but it does contradict organized, man-made religion.
Many times, when someone brings up the fallacy of patriotism, they are "accused" of advocating for a world government. Whatever. It's the same argument in America between federalism vs. republicanism. It's the same argument localities make in New York when they say that state, unfunded mandates are unfair. At what point do we allow
(allegedly) representative governments usurp individual rights in the name of "safety" or the the "common good".
What are you willing to give up for your safety? For your comfort? For many, a beer and a big screen TV is enough to give up almost every right they have. The ironic thing is that in a supposedly free society, you actually have the
right to do that. The problem comes when those who are not willing to take technolical trinkets in exchange for our freedom are called "unpatriotic", "commie" and now "terrorist".
Am I calling for everyone to march into the streets? Not necessarily. There are other ways to fight the power. There are the blatant - send letters & e-mails, support specific political campaigns and non-profits, etc. But there are also more subtle ways - what and how much you buy, what and how much TV you watch, how you raise your children, will you give someone the
stink eye who deserves it? Will you contribute to a litigative society that thrives on its cannibalistic nature? Will you allow your sexuality to be something that's more than just a commodity? {OK, that was my unsubtle way of telling people to stop hoarding the booty}
How about this for starters...when was the last time you allowed yourself to sit in silence for...oh...I don't know...30 minutes? With no agenda, no timer, no TV or music on. Just sit in silence and let your mind wander...not think about the bills or the kids or the spouse or work. Call it meditation, call it chilling out, whatever. When was the last time you MADE the time to do this? It would be a good start.
Thus endeth the lesson...
(this is getting depressing...I may need to go back to blogging about beer & volleyball porn)Technorati Tags: patriotism, individual rights, individual responsiblities, meditation