How often can we say, “I learned something today?” I’m talking deep down thought-provoking real learning moments.
A Cataclysmic Shift
You know how when you see something really disturbing and you know you should look away but you just can’t. You’re hypnotized. It’s like binge watching episodes of “Hoarders” and thinking OMG! but you can’t convince yourself to change the channel. It’s like that. I am saturating my brain trying to understand what happened, how did the United States reach this point, this great cataclysmic shift?
I’ve been lost in my thoughts for days and I’ve been binge watching panel conversations and reading article after article trying to grab on to some kind of understanding. To learn something from both sides of the table because there are always two sides to every story, right?
It’s so easy to judge, isn’t it? And way too easy to lay the blame on someone else’s door. I will own to throwing around some serious judgement of late, mostly born out of anger and frustration. I liken recent election events to being on an emotional roller coaster and I think we’re all more than nauseous. I try to hold on to the knowledge that people are inherently good, so along with trying to find some path of reason in all of this chaos, I’m also fighting an internal struggle of understanding without judgement. Whew… it’s a tough path to define; that sense of balance.
I’ve included the above video not to make a political statement but because after all of the binge watching, this is the one conversation that actually helped. It clarified several points and enabled me to say, “I learned something today.” And, because I believe many people on both sides of the table are looking for answers, as are many people from around the world watching this unfold, I thought I’d make it available. The panelists offer several perspectives and from the conversation I was able to clear the cobwebs a bit. It didn’t make me feel better, but it did lead to some understanding. It is a full-length panel conversation of 45 minutes.
How to Make a Difference
After days – and days – of emotional roller coaster induced nausea as a result of said cataclysmic shift, I’m trying to fight my way out of the fog. And, I’m trying to learn how to move forward and how I can make a difference. I want to make sure I never again feel as if I’ve been hit by that damn MAC Truck! I know how frustrating it is to feel as if your voice isn’t being heard, so I went looking for answers on how each of us can make a difference and I found many good ideas.
- Read. Stay informed.
- Compile a list of reputable news sources. Fake News Sources
- Fight complacency.
- Follow and support – thru social media – organizations that make a difference.
- Research the history of marginalization in the US.
- Make a commitment to stay engaged and keep the dialogue going.
- Make phone calls and write letters to your representatives on a regular basis. Senate Congress
- Volunteer in your community.
- Donate to organizations that make a difference. Organizations
- Get involved in a local municipal race.
- Speak up when you witness an injustice.
- Boycott businesses that support bigotry. Businesses
The very essence of democracy is to make your voice heard, to stand strong no matter which side of the table you’re on – red, blue, libertarian, green or purple. Frankly, I would love – LOVE – to see at least 3 or 4 viable political parties arise from this cataclysmic shift because then I think believe more people would feel their voice and vote does in fact matter. And, then maybe this choke hold of complacency in the US would lessen and maybe we wouldn’t get to this place again. That’s a simple and optimistic tune I’m singing, I know, but there’s always hope.
We are Abi and Patti. We retired early to live a simpler life, travel the world and hopefully, inspire others to redefine retirement.
Thanks for the video Patti. I watched the whole discussion just as I watched Michael Moore’s “Trumpland” and it does help me understand in part what happened last week. One point that was especially interesting was the fact that the people in Michigan who voted for President Obama in two elections were the same people who voted for Trump. That is hard to wrap my mind around! It’s especially disheartening and outright frightening to see the people he is choosing to surround himself with. The bar was set lower for Donald Trump during the campaign and my expectations now are even lower…
Anita @ No Particular Place To Go recently posted…Three Days in July, A Cyclorama and the Enduring Symbolism of Gettysburg
I’m glad you found the video helpful, Anita. As I said in the post, I can’t get beyond the fact that they chose this person as their vessel of change but I have a better understanding. Not all of the voters chose his ugly side, but they did decide it wasn’t a deal breaker which is staggering to so many. It is indeed a frightening time in the US.
I’ve been feeling the same way and reading like crazy. I watched this Michael Moore video and also learned some things. All your advice is sage. We all have to deal with understanding differently. It’s really not like a right or wrong. If we don’t like it, then we need to get involved. Great post Patti.
Gaelyn recently posted…Colorado River teaches life lessons
Thank you, Gaelyn, it’s a challenging time for everyone and there’s so much at stake, isn’t there? I’m glad you found the video helpful and you’re right, getting involved is a great way to work toward change.
Great thoughtful video and perspective. I’ve passed along.
Thank you, Sandy. I’m glad you found it helpful.