2008 Woodie Awards
Enough preaching, how about practicing?
Jeff Mason
Issue date: 7/2/08 Section: Opinion
I've always been open to new ideas. Whether it be a class, or a something I hear about online or something I see on TV, I like working things out in my head.
Over the past few weeks I've been thinking a lot about taking action. In our articles we are often encouraged to make a call for action, that way after people read an article they can do something about it. But are we really doing anything? And if we are, is it doing any good?
I think it comes down to understanding. Understanding how we are different, so that we can learn from one another. Understanding that the way we treat our planet impacts our own lives and the lives of those yet to be born. Understanding that taking action first isn't always the best thing to do.
While these thoughts aren't original to me, I still find them interesting. And while these things might seem obvious, in America it seems we are a lot more about the preaching than the practicing.
The media is dominated by an image of white America with minorities sprinkled in for good measure. We continue to spread the message of being green as long as it doesn't infringe on our daily lives and we jumped into a war in Iraq without a clear plan.
These things aren't the result of one man, they are a result of a society that doesn't take the time to deal with issues. We haven't solved racism; we've simply put a mask over the issue. We haven't gone green, but we sure like saying we have. And we certainly haven't stabilized Iraq, but at least we brought democracy there.
Most people, certainly including myself, are guilty of this same inaction. We just can't seem to pencil in the time to change things. We're too busy with work, school, classes, exercising, sports, the big game, surfing the Internet, updating Facebook, casual "me time" or just having a night to go out with friends.
I'm not saying that everyone should ditch their social lives or free time and start working on solving world hunger, but rather to think about these things from time to time and try to make an impact somehow. Recycle more, ride your bike to class instead of driving or simply learn about something new. It certainly couldn't hurt to understand a little bit more.
Over the past few weeks I've been thinking a lot about taking action. In our articles we are often encouraged to make a call for action, that way after people read an article they can do something about it. But are we really doing anything? And if we are, is it doing any good?
I think it comes down to understanding. Understanding how we are different, so that we can learn from one another. Understanding that the way we treat our planet impacts our own lives and the lives of those yet to be born. Understanding that taking action first isn't always the best thing to do.
While these thoughts aren't original to me, I still find them interesting. And while these things might seem obvious, in America it seems we are a lot more about the preaching than the practicing.
The media is dominated by an image of white America with minorities sprinkled in for good measure. We continue to spread the message of being green as long as it doesn't infringe on our daily lives and we jumped into a war in Iraq without a clear plan.
These things aren't the result of one man, they are a result of a society that doesn't take the time to deal with issues. We haven't solved racism; we've simply put a mask over the issue. We haven't gone green, but we sure like saying we have. And we certainly haven't stabilized Iraq, but at least we brought democracy there.
Most people, certainly including myself, are guilty of this same inaction. We just can't seem to pencil in the time to change things. We're too busy with work, school, classes, exercising, sports, the big game, surfing the Internet, updating Facebook, casual "me time" or just having a night to go out with friends.
I'm not saying that everyone should ditch their social lives or free time and start working on solving world hunger, but rather to think about these things from time to time and try to make an impact somehow. Recycle more, ride your bike to class instead of driving or simply learn about something new. It certainly couldn't hurt to understand a little bit more.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Adam H
posted 7/02/08 @ 11:32 AM CST
I'm all for preserving the planet for our children, but not our children's children. I don't think kids should be having sex.
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