A Slow Simmer of Chaos
Over a plate of chorizo and eggs this morning, I contemplated society. I concluded that Humans are a species of extremes.
On one end we have the brains to create amazing things. Just think how far we have come from the moment we first discovered fire, to be able to watch a spaceship thousands of miles away connect with another one from a piece of plastic in our hands.
On the other extreme, we are vicious, raw, and evil. We can choose to hate and destroy others because of the color of their skin, who they love, or what book and building combination they choose to find solace and belief in.
The world around me is at a slow simmer of chaos.
A deadly disease that we are still trying to figure out continues to spread and kill. Simple suggestions from people who have spent their life learning, studying, and knowing about these sorts of things are chosen not to be followed by some. People in positions of power choose to divide, lie, and attack others rather than helping fix what is broken.
As an extrovert I miss people. I miss being able to just jump in my car and go places. The once a week supply runs are something, but they are not enough to nourish my mind and soul.
We need to start moving forward. We need schools to teach, businesses to sell, and life to move forward.
But, we need to do it in the safest way possible. To do the little things that will help keep others safe. To help us not bring something home to those we love. We each need to do our part to help others, even if it might inconvenience ourselves.
In the midst of all of this, we have another wave of awakening for a new batch of people to the racist world we live in. BLACK LIVES MATTER and I’m glad to see more people are realizing this. Standing up, protesting, yelling to be heard, and fighting for change. All of this happening during Pride Month adds another level of complexity to it.
Sitting on the sidelines is not an option anymore. I believe we all have to do what is in our power to actively take part in the changes we want to see in the world. What exactly that means will be different for each of us, but being silent isn’t one of the options.
For me that means amplifying other voices constantly, learning what I don’t know, and making sure that the next generation has what it needs. I just started as the Faculty Advisor for a young organization on campus and am helping with a new course. I’m reading, watching, and learning constantly because what may have been “okay” a few months ago, might have evolved to be even more inclusive.
If you are looking for something to kickstart your mind and challenge your soul, pick up a copy of How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi. If you can read that book and not take something away, then I wonder if you are in fact a human at all.
I watch every day as different States enter different phases of re-opening. I see friends having barbecues with neighbors, dinner dates at restaurants, and celebrating fresh haircuts from the barbershop.
All of this makes me smile with a dose of caution and worry. I’m not judging any friend’s decisions, but I do scroll through some faster than others knowing in my heart that they are smart adults making their own decisions and they are theirs to make. Thankfully all that I’ve seen are taking proper precautions and wearing masks as we all should. I’m just not there yet for myself.
The remainder of the year will be trying. We’ve all seen the jokes about what might be left on the 2020 doom calendar and while they make me grin I do wonder about what comes next. What happens as we go back to work and school? As we emerge to gather, vote, and improve?
I didn’t find the answer this morning, but I did feel compelled to share my thoughts. Knowing me, as soon as I hit publish some new ones will arrive as they always do.
Be safe out there. Stay strong and keep fighting the good fight for the changes we need in this world so that life becomes more equal for all who live on this big blue marble.
Photo by Geoff Livingston and used with permission from the photographer.
