Round One

For many months I thought the idea of blogging was beyond my technological skills. A short time ago I was shown how easy it is to set up and manage an account. Alas, six months have passed since initially signing up for this account and the writing of my first official blog. I hope I don't disappoint. . .


I've been reading a lot lately. Having a few months off from graduate school has allowed me to pick out my own books to read and I've enjoyed it. I've been drawn to books that deal with philosophy and sociology (not the most exciting for some, but intriguing for me). There are many skeptics who are busy critiquing the state of our union and the "fragile" cultural achievements that abound in the early 21st century. I suppose I can count myself as one of these skeptics although it's hard not to be hopeful.


I'm pondering the role of young white men living in the South Eastern part of the US. The deep south as it is more commonly known. The years of racial hatred, bigotry, and violence often seem no less real today than what I read about from 50-100 years ago. What role does a young white man who wants to be part of moving into a less fragmented society (particularly racially in this case but also in terms of class/income, ethnicity, religion, work, creative interests, etc.) play to see positive change? The systems are deeply rooted and the wounds of many are not healed or they are getting worse. Yet, in the south, we somehow manage to pretend as if everything has changed, while nothing has changed. Slavery was abolished in the 19th century and the Civil Rights Movement made strides for equality in 1960s. "End of story," many will say, "what more needs to be done?"


Unfortunately for too many people things have not changed and the gap between the haves and the have nots is only widening. But what can I do?


I am contemplating making major life changes. Relocation, downward mobility as author Henri Nouwen puts it. But even this, moving into the heart of the city where diversity of all kinds is greater and less educated and poorer members of society dwell, will this, in and of itself, make any difference? I assume that it will not because ultimately it takes at least a two-fold strategy to see change. 1) It's about the personal lives that are involved. The neighbors that one is in relationships with and hope and love that is shared. 2) It's about systemic change. The systems that continually "graduate" individuals into lives of poverty, despair, and crime.


I mentioned earlier that I'm hopeful still and I guess some explanation is in order. I am hopeful because I believe there is a way to live out the two-fold strategy mentioned above if one is willing to make sacrifices. It takes time to get to know people, it takes effort to let go of one's personal agenda, and it is necessary to be involved in local action groups and community forums. How does one make this kind of time? It must be by reorganizing priorities to fit such demands. Much has been written about voluntary poverty and serving others for a greater cause. I only hope there is a way to accomplish this while maintaining some sense of balance in life, avoiding burnout, and still experiencing some sense of hope and joy in the process.