Filed under: personal
“I’ve been busy” that’s been a common phrase for me for a while. What a terrible cliché and excuse. You should never be too busy to blog… or whatever it is you aren’t doing… Life is just so full of so much to keep us busy!! Who is creating all this stuff for us to do?? My list of things I need to do is a constant stream that seems to be cresting, but… there’s plenty of time for it all. Sometimes it takes us a bit longer than we would hope – so I guess that’s why it’s about the journey NOT the destination. At least that’s what someone wiser than my-self said.
Recently my journey has taken me in a southwestwardly direction. Back to where it all began over 30 years ago. The Valley of the Sun, Phoenix, Arizona. Phoenix is a bright and beautiful spot in the middle of the Sonoran desert. My return coincides with the heat of the summer and the heat of an important issue for people here and around the globe. The issue of undocumented citizens.
Today more than ever I believe the success of human kind will hinge on people finding a middle ground with each other when our views or cultures don’t necessarily match up. The question or should I say the goal is accomplishing that middle ground. In the little bit I’ve learned so far I think both people or sides need to back off some. Backing off gives us the opportunity to step back and take in the view. Which in most cases give us a chance to look at a different perspective. Think of it like this: You want to take a picture of a very wide and very tall building. You’re right up next to it and you’re set to snap the shot but as you look through the viewfinder all you can see is a small limited perspective of the building. Hmmmmm… In theory this photo was going to be great!! But now that I’m standing next to the building it’s not doing justice to my vision. If you back off some and stand across the yard or even across the street now you’re able to see the whole building through the viewfinder and viola, you see the big picture. Pun intended. I attended a boycott today in order to get some footage for a documentary I’m working on. There were hundreds of Hispanic people lining the sidewalk chanting phrases of unity and belonging proudly waving their American flags (LISTEN Click Here). One man walks through all the demonstrators yelling at them saying, “This is my street, this is my America, you don’t belong!!!” A news cameraman said to me, “There’s a happy guy”. Obviously a sarcastic remark I just laughed and gave a nod. I said, “He definitely has some balls, you wouldn’t catch me doing something like that.” And then it hit me. Of course I wouldn’t be doing something like that because of the person that I am. So why am I this way and he’s that way and how do we come to a middle ground? I came close to approaching him twice to get his viewpoint on camera and just to try to understand a little better where he was coming from. I didn’t however, I kept my distance which is what he seemed to want as he bulldozed up and down the line of demonstrators. He moved so quickly you could barley put together a sentence from what he was yelling. It’s my opinion this isn’t a great way to make your point. Now like I said I wouldn’t be out there doing what he was doing – I would be much more likely to take up a spot and shout with the people who are standing up for something they believe in. What is it they believe in? It seems to me they believe in our country. The United States of America. They believe in our country so much they go to incredible lengths to have a chance to “live the dream”. If I could narrow it down to one reason why I’m glad to be living in the United States that little story above illustrates why. We all have the option to choose where we stand and furthermore we can shout our position for everyone to hear no matter what it is or who can hear it. This is a freedom we all have here whether you are “legal” or “illegal” you can make yourself heard. Next step: find middle ground. Oh and by the way my forwarding address is Phoenix, AZ. The beautiful, sometimes hot Sonoran desert. CRB
www.thepeopleproject.org (still under construction … but it’s coming soon)
Filed under: personal
i love watching film and people – they seem one in the same. as a watcher though, sometimes i wonder who’s watching me. ever cross your mind? i’m sure they’re out there i probably just don’t see them. i’ll be keeping my eye’s open though.
here’s looking at you and me. let’s both keep a watchfull eye, shall we.
Filed under: personal
so it’s 10 to 5 and i’m finally getting in a good mood. just wanted to keep you in the loop.
The word of the day, class, is COMPLACENCY. Say it with me com-pla-cen-cy. Good work, now put your heads down and do nothing.
About a week ago I was having a conversation with my life strategist about the complacency of our society. Are everyone’s legs broken or are we just to tired by the end of our 60 hour work week to make some noise about what is going on in the world. I was reading an article sent to me by a friend which had to do with this very theme. “No amount of yellow ribbons or “I Support the Troops” bumper stickers can mask the stain of complacency …”
Where does complacency come from? Where does it go? And who’s in charge of it? I’ve done a little research and discovered you are complacent if:
1. You are satisfied with yourself.
2. You feel safe and know there is no immediate danger or anything controversial going on.
3. You think we live in the greatest country in the world (and) if it’s so bad in other countries why don’t those people just move here.
If there is a person who I would have learned not to be complacent from it would first be my mom. I remember when I was a kid, my mom always seemed to be acting out on something. Not necessarily something in the news or worldly but she has always been action oriented. She was diplomatic too. If someone was giving us a hard time she used this strategy called: “Kill them with Kindness”. The US Military was using this for a short time but they were ending up with a budget surplus and couldn’t justify a need for such a large workforce and weaponry so they went back to the old way and began buying large amounts of oil which would then be put in a larger than life sauce pan, boiled and then poured from above on any would be threat. Which explains a lot – All that waste from the hot oil treatment could certainly account for the lack of affordable oil today.
My mom was always willing to open her mouth and stand up for what was right even if it was in the McDonalds drive-thru. Why do we remain complacent while our country fights with other countries? While we ignore the needs of the American People? While we ruin our planet? What is wrong with us? Have we not been taught better? I remember in grade school we were all taught to get along with each other. Be nice, share and take care of each other. Makes sense enough don’t you think. Can you imagine taking your 6 year old to school and saying don’t take any shit and if you don’t agree with some one let them have it or if anyone picks on you – KILL them. Of course not, we would never want our children to grow up with out the ability to get along with others and see other points of view – Right?
So what happened between the ages of 6 and let’s say 50. Somewhere along the way we have evolved in the opposite direction. We’ve taken what we’ve learned about how to get along and how to see other points of view and we’ve tossed them into a weapon of mass destruction, aimed and fired.
As human beings I know we have the capacity to create a world where people get along – so why don’t we? Why are we so dead set on struggling? How can we change? This is the question that rings through my mind all the time. How can we change? We have all the answers we just don’t put them into practice.
What do you think?
Filed under: personal
“I’d like to give you a hug, here’s my number…” “Hey baby good to see you.” “Are you ok – let’s HUG.” “Good job on that report Phil – (hug).” Sound like some guys trying to pick up on the opposite sex or some inner office sexual harassment? These are actually quotes from men to other men in the work place, at social gatherings, etc… no kidding.
Do I know you well enough to hug you? As I’m saying hello or goodbye this is the question going through my mind. The Denver Post is dedicating some time to this issue and I for one applaud it. According to all of the current scientific data man is changing. We are becoming more outward with our male to male affection.
I say go ahead and hug, why not, it feels good. I think it’s great to see social changes like this. However, not everyone agrees or at least is open to this kind of affection. Two men the article sights are Kory Floyd of ArizonaState University and Mark Morman of University in Waco, TX. They both study the male hug among other things. Now there’s a job I need. “Yes I’ve got a PHD and I study the male hug!” Yet one more reason to stay in school!
So you’re asking your self when is it ok to hug? I’ve got the remedy for you. I’ve created this handy little chart on how, when, and where a hug and the particular style apply. Credit the scientific community for the data on this card.
Click here for the “Hug how to card”
With the male hug on the rise it’s hard to believe the world will be at war or at odds with each other for much longer. This is the good news! But what about the male / female hug? When is it ok to hug women, single or married? And how far down the back should my hand reach? Or here’s a good question I just thought of; the male blow job – is this a just reward when a friend or colleague does a favor or a good job? I’m not sure the scientific community has covered all the bases. It’s a good thing I’m out here doing the research.
Every Friday night I’ll be holding a hug observation/appropriate touching clinic. Participants should send their resumes and other clinical trial experience to me at: hug-a-fellow@mentalhealthfood.com
If you’d like to check out the article in the Denver Post… http://www.denverpost.com/style/ci_2740289
